In session: ‘Opposition TORs target one individual’

Chief minister addresses the Punjab Assembly

LAHORE: “The terms of reference (TORs) proposed by the opposition parties for a judicial commission to investigate Panama Papers issue show that they have been crafted to target only one individual,” Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Wednesday. He was addressing the 21st session of the Provincial Assembly.

The chief minister said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had presented himself for accountability in the wake of Panama Leaks. “He has also argued his case in front of the parliament,” he said. He also spoke about how his father’s industries were nationalised in 1972.

The chief minister talked about the development projects launched by his government.

“In the past, people angered by the electric power load shedding had taken to the streets. Look around, there is no one protesting in the heat today,” chief minister said as he talked about energy initiatives by his government. “The steps taken by our government have drastically reduced the energy shortfall.”

The chief minister said work on the Bahawalpur Solar Park was underway. “The government is also adding electricity to the national grid thorough thermal power plants.”

“The people will never forgive those creating hurdles to development projects,” he said.

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was in the House for the 10th time since taking oath three years ago. He has attended two sittings in the ongoing parliamentary year. The chief minister was flanked by most cabinet members who mostly do not come to the House in routine sessions.

Members on Treasury benches gave a warm welcome to the chief minister. They stood up and chanted ‘Sher Aya, Sher Aya.’

Soon after he left, members on the Opposition benches began chanting slogans against the government.

Leader of Opposition Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed said, “The chief minister does not have the courage to face the Opposition. He walked out without hearing what we have to say.”

“If I had known that he would leave like that, we would not have allowed him to speak in the House,” Rasheed said.

Rasheed said, “The Punjab is being ruled like a monarchy. All powers lie with the chief minister.”

“Nation building is not just construction of roads and bridges,” he said.

Earlier the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority Bill 2016 was passed by the assembly in the presence of chief minister. The session was adjourned till Thursday morning.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 19^th, 2016.