ISLAMABAD - All main opposition lawmakers are set to evolve a strategy in joint opposition parliamentary meeting about the ‘Panama Paper Bill, 2016’ and other main national issues before the National Assembly session and joint session of parliament.
Opposition parties having different options will also deliberate on boycotting the proceedings of the house if the government bulldoze this bill with its 2/3 strength in the house.
Both PPP and PTI will adopt strict policy on the legislation of ‘Panama Paper Bill, 2016’ as future course of action will be decided in opposition parties meeting, opposition parties senior members shared with The Nation.
The National Assembly session has been summoned on Monday (August1) and will be continued for two weeks.
Joint session of parliament is also likely to be summoned on August 2.
The Panama Paper (Inquiry and Trial) bill,2016, ‘The anti-honour killing laws (amendment) bill’ and ‘Anti-rape laws (criminal laws amendment) bill’ will be top on the agenda of the National assembly and joint session of parliament.
Talking to The Nation, PPP’s senior MNA Nafeesa Shah said opposition lawmakers would make a strategy for Panama Paper (Inquiry and Trial) bill, 2016 in the joint opposition parliamentary meeting. “All opposition parties, including MQM, are united on the Panama Papers controversy,” she said, adding that all possible options will be deliberated in the meeting. “Let’s see the government stance on these issues,” said PPP’s MNA, adding that opposition will not be lenient this time on Panama fiasco.
When contacted, PTI’s Shireen Mazari said that PTI’s parliamentary meeting will be held before National Assembly meeting. “All related issues will be discussed in upcoming meetings,” she said, adding that PTI will participate in the parliamentary opposition party to share its strategy for parliamentary sessions.
Having almost same stance, MQM’s Ali Raza Abidi said that MQM will support rest of opposition parties on Panama leaks issue. “Government should adopt rational strategy on Panama leaks issue,” he added.
About the absence of PM from house, the members of these opposition parties said the prime minister should ensure his presence in the house in upcoming sessions. The opposition parties want PM’s presence in parliament to raise plethora of matters with him.
Sources said that opposition parties will boycott the proceedings of the house when government with its majority blocks the ‘Panama Papers (Inquiry and Trial) bill, 2016’. However, both the main opposition parties with some criticism will support government passing ‘The anti-honour killing laws (amendment) bill’ and ‘Anti-rape laws (criminal laws amendment) bill.
