News
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
NA passes pro-democracy resolution* PML-N stages walkout
* Nisar says government has put entire system in danger for one person
By Tanveer Ahmed
ISLAMABAD: The government on Monday succeeded to get the amended pro-democracy resolution passed in the National Assembly. It also rejected the amendments proposed by the PML-N for the implementation of orders of the superior judiciary and improvement in governance.
The treasury could not secure the support of the PML-N and other opposition parliamentary groups except the JUI-F, which backed the pro-democracy resolution at the eleventh hour. The JUI-F supported the resolution despite being in talks with the PML-N for the formation of a grand opposition alliance.
Apart from the ruling PPP, lawmakers from the Awami National Party (ANP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and Tribal Areas voted for the resolution.
The PML-N – unhappy with the rejection of the amendments it had proposed – staged a walkout from the House when the resolution was brought forward for voting.
ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan had tabled the resolution in the National Assembly on Friday, seeking support of parliament in the prevailing political situation.
An amendment introduced by the treasury pertained to the 4th paragraph of the original draft of the resolution. It said sovereignty lies with the Almighty Allah. Earlier, it was mentioned that sovereignty lies with the people of Pakistan.
The PML-N said the amendment had actually been proposed by it. PML-N lawmakers raised their voice when Speaker Fahmida Mirza put it for vote.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq moved the amendments proposed by the PML-N, but they were voted against by the treasury benches following a brief debate over rules of business in presentation of amendments.
Before the resolution and proposed amendments were put for a vote, the treasury negotiated with the PML-N for about two hours, but failed to convince it. The PML-N refused to withdraw two out of the three amendments it had proposed in the draft resolution, and suggested the government to consider the changes.
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that the government has put the entire system in danger to hide corruption of one person. He said the PML-N would resist all moves aimed at using the House for a personal agenda.
About the amendments proposed by the PML-N, Nisar said that the government needs “dispassionate self assessment at this juncture, otherwise, such situations of insecurity will knock its doors again”.
He also criticised the government for convening an “emergency session” of the National Assembly, saying “the opposition has pledged it time and again that it will never support any undemocratic force to dislodge the government irrespective of the fact it has lost the credibility to rule any more”.
“I can say it with conviction that there is no threat to the democratic system,” the PML-N leader said, adding, “However, we will not waste a single minute to bring a vote of no confidence against the government if we get the required numerical strength.”
Nisar asked coalition partners of the PPP to stop supporting the government “in larger interests of the country”.
Nisar asked the government to incorporate his party’s amendments regarding immediate implementation of Supreme Court orders, saying it would help Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, who was issued a contempt-of-court notice on Monday for not honouring SC’s orders.
The PPP-S’ Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao said there was no need for the resolution. Instead, he added, the government should hold fresh elections.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk