MQM MP proposes singing of anthem before NA proceedings

ISLAMABAD: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which recently dissociated itself from its founder Altaf Hussain after he shouted anti-state slogans, suggested on Wednesday that the national anthem must be sung by every single member of parliament before the start of a National
Assembly session.

The MQM’s Abdul Rashid Godil floated the proposal in an emotional tone while appreciating the way Defence Day was commemorated this year on September 6.

“After so many years, the Defence Day has been celebrated in a worthy manner that it educated the masses about the happenings of September 6, 1965,” he said.

Godil also clarified that it was duty of the MPs to learn the national anthem by heart and instead of playing its recording the members should sing it. The idea was endorsed by former speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

“There should be national anthem before the start of every session as it would revive message of unity,” she said, adding: “It is needed in the given circumstances.” However, she did not elaborate as to what she meant by ‘circumstances’.

Earlier, the house unanimously passed Jamaat-e-Islami’s (JI) resolution condemning executions of the JI leaders in Bangladesh. “Execution of the JI leaders is contrary to the tripartite agreement signed by Pakistan, India and Bangladesh in 1974,” said the resolution moved by Sher Akbar Khan.

The resolution also demanded that the government seriously raise at all the international forums the victimisation of political opponents in Bangladesh, which has executed a number of political leaders for supporting the Pakistani forces during the 1971 conflict.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 8^th, 2016.