PML-N Secretary Information Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that if the speaker fails to convene the session of the National Assembly before March 22, he would be guilty of violating the Constitution which would be punishable under Article 6 of the Constitution.

Read more: NA session with no-confidence voting on agenda to start March 25

In a statement, Marriyum said that under Clause 3 of Article 54 of the Constitution, the Speaker was bound to convene a meeting if one-fourth of the members submit a requisition request. She said Article 54 of the Constitution states that the Speaker cannot delay convening of the session by more than 14 days.

The former information minister said, “The opposition had submitted the requisition on March 8, thus making March 22 the last day of fulfilling his constitutional obligation. If the Speaker does not convene a meeting before March 22, it will be unconstitutional. Article 5 is clear about the violation of the Constitution and Article 6 contains the punishment.”

The PML-N spokesperson said Article 95 sets out the mechanism for the motion of no confidence. The Constitution obliges the Speaker to complete this action within 7 days after the motion has been filed, she added. She went on to say that the Speaker is bound to hold a vote after 3 days and before 7 days after the motion is submitted.

Marriyum said Rule 37 of the House Rules fully explained all relevant procedures. It obliges the Speaker to move a no-confidence motion in the House immediately after the commencement of the sitting and Quranic recitation. The Speaker cannot adjourn the sitting after the motion of no-confidence has been moved in the House, she stressed.

Read more: Bilawal Bhutto blames NA Speaker Asad Qaiser for violating Constitution

Turning away from constitutional and legal provisions was unconstitutional which falls under the category of treason and rebellion against the country, she said.