ISLAMABAD - Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf’s controversial departure from Pakistan echoed in yesterday’s National Assembly session, as opposition sought explanation from government for allowing the treason-accused to travel abroad.
Two opposition parties (PPP and PTI) passed sarcastic remarks against federal ministers for the tall claims they had previously made about not allowing Musharraf to leave the country.
However, the government criticism was not much widespread as only two opposition lawmakers (one each from PPP and PTI) raised this matter.
PPP’s Shazia Marri, on point of order, sought reasons for allowing an accused facing trial under Article 6 of the constitution to travel abroad.
“I seek government stance about the departure of the former president from the country… This government claimed to set an example in this matter. Was that mere a slogan?” she remarked. She further said that PPP government was criticised for giving ‘guard of honour’ to Musharraf but now this government has itself allowed him to go abroad.
Marri said the Supreme Court had left this matter upon the government and “government has made it a controversial”. This should be discussed in the house and there should be proper and across the board accountability, she added.
Murad Saeed from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, on point of order, also sought reasons for allowing former president to travel abroad. “Where is that cabinet minister who had vowed to tender resignation if Musharraf were allowed to leave the country?” he asked.
He also said that cases against the prime minister and finance minister are under consideration in the Supreme Court. “Why the prime minister is threatening NAB?” he raised the question.
As for the other house business, it referred ‘Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (Conversion) Bill, 2016’ to joint sitting of the parliament, scheduled for next Monday.
The opposition, whose stiff resistance four days ago prevented the government from referring this bill to the joint session, did not oppose the move this time.
A meeting of the leader of parliamentary parties in both house of the parliament has also been scheduled to discuss the legislative business to be taken up in the joint sitting of the parliament. It is likely that PIA privatisation, gas theft case and other controversial matters will be discussed in the joint session.
PTI lawmaker Dr Shireen Mazari, on point of order, said parliament should be taken into confidence before joining the Saudi led coalition. “Who will be responsible if Pakistan Army is used against any country?” she asked.
Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan said that Pakistan has consistently supported all the regional and international efforts to combat militancy and terrorism. He also told the House during question hour that gypsum is being exported to India in 'crushed loose form' with value up to 22 dollars per metric tonne.