ISLAMABAD - The National Assembly on Friday witnessed four separate walkouts of different political parties over different issues, mainly over alleged arrogant behaviour of KP Governor Mehtab Khan Abbasi.
The house, which was adjourned for lack of quorum as pointed out by a government lawmaker, saw back-to-back four walkouts of Fata lawmakers, Pakistan People’s Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl and Pakistan Muslim League-F.
A lawmaker from Fata, Jamal-ud-Din, on a point of order, registered a strong protest against the alleged dictatorial behaviour of the KP governor. “The KP governor is not giving any importance to our problems. His attitude is not good,” he said, adding their concerns should be addressed, otherwise they would continue their protest.
The government should not turn a deaf ear to our concerns,” he said and left the house along with other Fata lawmakers.
Showing a sympathetic attitude, PPP lawmaker Azra Fazal said the government should remove reservations of the Fata lawmakers. “The Fata people have given a lot of sacrifices, but they are even deprived of development funds,” she said, adding PPP would also walk out, expressing solidarity with the Fata members.
Following the suit, a treasury lawmaker, Ameer Zaman, also put weight behind the reservations of Fata members. He also came down hard on MQM for criticising JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. “MQM is using derogatory language against Maulana Fazlur Rehman. We know from where they are getting dollars as a reward,” he said, enraging the MQM lawmakers who rose on their seats and started raising voice against JUI-F. The speaker, however, timely intervened and successfully cooled down both the sides.
Later, the JUI-F lawmakers announced walkout over the Fata lawmakers’ concerns and their own concern on the 21st Amendment.
The fourth walkout was from Pakistan Muslim League-F over the Sindh government’s inability to resolve sugarcane growers’ issues. “The growers are running from pillar to post and are not getting proper rates,” said PML-F lawmaker Ghaus Bakhsh Mehar and left the house in protest.
Taking the floor, MQM’s Asif Hasnain attempted to settle the score with JUI-F lawmakers, but the speaker intervened and asked him not to discuss this matter as it would create bad taste.
“The growers are much perturbed and can come on the roads. It is inability of the Sindh government,” he said asking the federal government to intervene and resolve this matter before it is too late.
The house also unanimously passed a resolution, expressing their determination to make Pakistan a cradle of peace.
The resolution, moved by JI lawmaker Ayesha Syed in connection with the month of Rabiul Awal, stated the life and teachings of Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) is beacon of light for the humanity and a source of peace and tranquility. The resolution further urged the people to follow Uswa-e-Hasana of Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (SAW) individually and collectively.
Taking the floor on a point of order, PML-N lawmaker Abdul Manan said PTI’s lawmakers had been absent from the last 40 working days of the National Assembly. Deputy Speaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi hurriedly took the mike from the PML-N member, saying it was the job of NA Secretariat. “You do not need to mention it,” he added.
Earlier, Parliamentary Secretary for Finance Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan, during the question-hour, said over Rs 32 billion were allocated for the development of Fata last year. The government has provided 30 percent relief to the consumers by reducing petroleum prices.
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, in a written reply, said a proposal is under consideration for earmarking an area as democracy park and speech corner in Islamabad Capital Territory for launching protests, demonstrations and public rallies.
JUI-F lawmaker Ameer Zaman, at fag end of the proceedings, pointed out lack of quorum, on which the deputy speaker adjourned the session as not more than 35 lawmakers were present in the house.