Landmark vote in Senate


Express April 15, 2010

ISLAMABAD: The Senate resounded with desk thumping in approval of the 18th Amendment Bill being passed by the upper house, clearing the way for its implementation. Senate members raised slogans celebrating the landmark revival of the 1973 Constitution.

Members of the Parliament praised the president for the passage of the 18th Amendment.

Among the most important clauses which were approved with a majority consensus include:

- cancellation of the president's power to dissolve the assemblies along with the removal of a bar on third time premiership.

- despite protests and unrest in the Hazara region against renaming of the NWFP, the clause was approved by the House unanimously.

- under the new amendments, the Election Commissioner will be appointed in consultation with the opposition leader.

- the number of cabinet members would be 11 per cent of the total membership of Parliament.

Later addressing the House, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani called it a historical day for Pakistan - one which saw all the democratic forces  united on one platform.

COMMENTS (7)

Karim Khan | 14 years ago | Reply The resentment of Hazara's non-Pakhtoon people, and their supporters, fails when their supporting reason of passing the new name without a poll is extended to other sections of the bill. If a poll is obligatory for democratically making a change in constitution, we would need polls in every other matter as well, including whether or not the Parliment has the right to pass a bill. This self-defeating approach is a threat to democracy, especially in a country like Pakistan where the diverse political interests have been preying on the vulnerabilities of the masses. The people of Hazara have been victimized by this approach of self-interest masked as a racial movement. And it goes without saying that it is high time for all to start doubting the voices that rush to the pulpit to lead and rule over the emotions of racism and rivalry.
Sheraz Javeed | 14 years ago | Reply I completely agree with "KM" expressed his/her feelings in above.While as well as the 18th amendment concern i would like to be short in a sentence that democratic dictatorship in and military democracy exit. Jago Pakistanio all of them have been making us fool.
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