News
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Distribution of civil awards
PML-N submits adjournment motion in NA
By Tanveer Ahmed
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Wednesday submitted an adjournment motion in the National Assembly (NA) against the distribution of civil awards by President Asif Ali Zardari to what they called the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) loyalists, workers and close associates by setting aside the required criteria and merit.
On the occasion of the Independence Day, Zardari gave away awards to people of different walks of life, including key members of the ruling party, which triggered a storm in the political circles, with the PML-N coming down hard on the Presidency for lavishing people of its choice with the national awards.
The adjournment motion signed by 13 members of the of PML-N in the National Assembly stated that the awards were given without any consideration of merit and outstanding achievements or performances rendered for the nation which is the basic criteria for grant of such awards. It said that the entire process, which has been carried out in violation of rules, policy and past traditions and precedents has degraded the status and prestige of the national awards thus causing grave concern among the general public. In view of this move of the government to degrade the national awards, it has become imperative to discuss the matter in the assembly, the motion mentioned.
Separately, commenting on the statement made by Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Firdaus Ashiq Awan, Central Information Secretary Mushahidullah Khan said that wrong priorities and looting of national wealth by the ruling party had brought a bad name to the country and democracy.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk