A file photo of the National Assembly. PHOTO: APP
Parliamentary leader of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Sahibzada Tariqullah requested the house to pass a resolution condemning Geo TV for airing offensive content.
“The content has hurt the sentiments of millions of Muslim across the world and it is not for the first time the channel has aired such program,” he said.
“Millions of Muslims have expressed their anger over this act and steps should be taken to stop repetition of such sins,” he added.
Tariqullah further said that he fears millions of Muslims will come out in protest against the channel today.
The JI lawmaker alleged that certain channels were working as Indian agents and that the state should take immediate action against such elements.
Jamiat-e-Ulema-Islami Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazalur Rehman also strongly condemned the morning show during which the objectionable content was aired.
“Nobody should be permitted to disrespect religious figures,” he stressed, questioning how such acts can be prevented. He called on the government to direct the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority to take action against the channel’s activities.
MQM walk out
Criticising the government for not issuing identification documents to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) head Altaf Hussain, the party lawmakers walked out of the house in protest.
“Despite giving applications months back, our leader has been denied of his right,” MQM lawmaker Asif Hasnain said. Quoting National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) rules, Hasnain said that if a person cannot visit NADRA office, then the officials are bound to visit the applicant’s residence to collect data for issuing any official document.
Responding to this protest, State Minister for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali said the constitution was clear on issuing passport or NIC to any foreign citizen and that the government will follow the law.
Quality food
The lower house was informed that food authorities have been established in the provinces to check adulteration of edible items.
Federal Minister for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid said the provincial governments were also enforcing relevant laws to curb adulteration.
He admitted that adulteration was a serious issue and that a survey was conducted to address the issue in a better way.
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