Missing MPAs: MQM walks out in protest

KARACHI:

During Monday’s session of the Sindh Assembly, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) lawmakers staged a token walkout when an adjournment motion filed by opposition leader Khawaja Izharul Hasan was rejected.

Earlier, Hasan had moved a motion against the rising menace of quackery in various parts of Karachi. When MQM lawmakers, who are co-signatories of the motion, tried to take up the issue without Hasan’s presence, deputy speaker Shehla Raza termed it against the rules.

This created pandemonium in the House as MQM members shouted slogans against the government and Raza. Despite the protest, Raza continued the proceedings.

After the question-answer session, the situation had become tense so Raza announced that the adjournment motion will be taken up. MQM’s Engineer Sabir Qaimkhani requested to speak on the matter as Hasan was on leave but finance minister Murad Ali Shah interrupted and told him that no one besides the mover of the adjournment motion can speak on it. This caused another argument between the MQM and PPP lawmakers and eventually former walked out.

MQM attendance

Monday’s session saw thin attendance of MQM MPAs. Among those missing were opposition leader Khawaja Izharul Hasan and Faisal Subzwari, who have left the country. Meanwhile, Dr Sagheer Ahmed and Iftikhar Alam have joined Mustafa Kamal’s party.

When the session started, Sindh Assembly secretary GM Farooq Buriro moved a leave application filed by Hasan. “On behalf of the opposition leader, Syed Sardar Ahmed has submitted an application,” he said but did not mention the absence of Subzwari and others.

Buriro told The Express Tribune later that they have yet to receive the resignations from Dr Sagheer and Alam. “As per our records, they are still members of the Sindh Assembly,” he said. The assembly rules say that members should tender resignations personally to the speaker, who can decide whether or not he accepts it. Once accepted, the assembly de-notifies the seat and writes to the election commission to hold by-elections.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2016.