Dar pledges to pay India back in the same coin
*Finance minister says boundary violations have increased after CPEC
By Ijaz Kakakhel

ISLAMABAD: Condemning India for the recent violation on working boundary, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday said India would be given a “befitting reply” in this regard.

Pakistan is a nuclear state and knows well how to defend country boundaries. On behalf of the defence minister, Dar expressed these views over call attention notice in the Senate, which was raised by Pakistan People’s Party Senator Sassui Palejo. She wanted to draw attention of the defence minister towards the destruction of homes and infrastructure along the working boundary due to heavy mortar shelling from the Indian side. The minister termed these violations as unfortunate because Pakistan wants peace with all neighbours, including India. However, it could not be taken as granted, the minister warned.

He assured the House that the forces would reply forcefully. Such type of boundary violations increased after initiating China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) because India could not digest it, he added. However, he claimed that all political forces are united over completion of CPEC. Violations on working boundary are not acceptable. Dar said the people and armed forces were fully capable of protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and would give a befitting response to any threat from India, he said.

Earlier, Senator Sassui Palejo in a calling attention notice said a lot of houses have been destroyed by Indian shelling along the working boundary in Sialkot and other parts of the country. Pakistan has always talked for peace, but on the other hand Indian forces violate the international boundaries. She regretted that such type of violations target women and children and other national assets. She demanded that the government respond to Indian violation with full force in the future.

In another calling attention notice, the Senate was informed that Saudi Arabia has authorised some 2000 agents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to deal with visa for umrah. The pilgrims in Pakistan have to contact private agents, to get visas through these nominated agents in Saudi Arabia. The agents in Saudi Arabia have increased umrah visas fees as a result the ticket for umrah has increased to Rs 80,000 to Rs 100,000.

Chairman Senate Mian Raza Rabbani gave some ruling over agenda items number 12, 15 and 18. He said Rule 263 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012, requires that a motion for suspension of rules may be made with the consent of the chairman.

That the bills sought to be considered for passage under Items No. 13, 16 and 19 were ordinances promulgated under sub-clause (1) of Article 89 of the Constitution 1973, laid before the Senate under sub-clause (2) of the said Article and treated as a Bill introduced in the Senate under paragraph (b) of clause (3) of Article 89 of the Constitution, 1973.

That the provisions of rule 121 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012, as cited in the said Motions, is not applicable, as such rule comes into play only when a Bill originates in the National Assembly, has been passed and transmitted to the Senate under rule 118 of the Rules, 2012. In the instant case these were Ordinances promulgated under Article 89 of the Constitution, 1973 and treated as Bills originating in the Senate under paragraph (b) of clause (3) of Article 89 of the Constitution, 1973, therefore, Rules 96 to 117 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012, will be applicable.

Further sub-rule (2) of rule 99 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012, which is sought to be suspended, provides for at least two clear days, to intervene between the day of supply of the Bill to Members and the day for setting down of the Bill for a Motion under rule 100 of the Rules, 2012.

The word “least” is of utmost significance, it means that in the minimum a two day notice is required. In the instant case the Report of the Standing Committee was laid in the House on 9 July 2015, and today is 10 July 2015, therefore, not even 24 hours have intervened.

As the bills have originated in the Senate, therefore, there is no sword of Damocles which hangs for their passage without due diligence by the Members and the House.

If the consideration is that the period of 120 days as provided under Article 89 of the Constitution, 1973, will laps before the next Session of the Senate. The negligence of the Government cannot become an excuse to bulldoze legislation, that to on such sensitive matters. Further no legal vacuum will be created as the Government can lay recourse to sub-para (ii) of para (a) of clause (2) of Article (89).

Therefore, for the above reasons consent under rule 263 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012, is not granted. Agenda Items 12 to 23 stand disposed of in terms of this Ruling.

Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk

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