Its members are supposed to behave in a more dignified manner than what has been witnessed during the past few days.
SIALKOT: The Senate is supposed to be the upper house of parliament, a council of elders, nominated by political parties in proportion to the mandate they have received in the lower houses, namely the National Assembly and the four provincial assemblies, through direct elections. Its members are supposed to behave in a more dignified manner than what has been witnessed during the past few days, with senators behaving immaturely, conducting proceedings on roads, in violation of rules and the spirit of the Constitution. Whatever the grievances of protesting senators, they should have settled matters in a more responsible manner.
There are no two opinions that whatever is stated on the floor of house, by the ruling party or by members of the opposition, must be verified and based on facts. Unfortunately, traditions set during the past few years, including during the most recent uninterrupted five-year tenure of the previous government, the leader of the house, i.e., the prime minister, his ministers and parliamentary secretaries, were accused of lying to the people over various issues. Where were these senators, who are now protesting, when the systematic destruction of the Pakistan Railways and other state institutions was going on?
Chaudhry Nisar and others should verify facts before giving statements on the floor of parliament, but under no circumstances, should the opposition divert attention from its own past misdeeds by creating an unnecessary ruckus in the Senate of Pakistan.
Shahzad Khalil
Published in The Express Tribune, November 10th, 2013.
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