ISLAMABAD: The news regarding provision of funds to senators by the federal government during the approval of the 20th Constitutional amendment by the Senate were out of context and created the impression that probably these funds have been released by the federal government to the senators in their personal capacity. As a senator, I am surprised since the factual position is to the contrary.
The fact is that these funds were not new and were the same funds which are given to the departments concerned against various development schemes proposed by parliamentarians every year. Senators and MNAs only identify these schemes and the implementation, according to the rules and regulations, is the responsibility of the department to which these funds are given. This department prepares the PC-I, carries out the tendering and utilises the funds for the proposed development schemes.
The impression that was being created in the media was that these funds were being given to senators in the form of cash for their personal use. This is not the case at all. No cash is given to any senator or member of parliament, but MPs can submit development projects according to the demands and needs of their constituents. The government then gives the approval and once that happens, funds are provided to the department for implementation.
The same happened this time — senators proposed development schemes but the federal government was delaying its approval on one pretext or the other. This went on for so long that the period of use for the allocated funds was on the verge of lapsing and there was an apprehension that the funds may be transferred to the Benazir Income Support Programme. In this context, the senators who were retiring in March put pressure on the federal government, arguing that the welfare and development schemes proposed by them in various sectors be completed and those development schemes to which funds were not released — relating to the provision of facilities to citizens and not for any personal or party’s interest — be provided the necessary allocation.
As a member of parliament, I consider it my obligation to explain the factual position. And if anyone still has any objection, he or she can verify my submissions by checking the relevant government record.
Pervaiz Rashid
Member,
Senate of Pakistan
Published in The Express Tribune, March 1st, 2012.
