Sindh assembly: MPAs suggest a female army chief be appointed

MPAs unanimously pass a resolution to commemorate 100th International Women’s Day being celebrated on March 8.

KARACHI:

Since women are competent and sincere to their professions, the Government of Pakistan should set a precedent and appoint a woman as the Chief of Army Staff, Sindh’s lawmakers suggested on Monday.

During the Sindh Assembly session, MPAs unanimously passed a resolution to commemorate the 100th International Women’s Day being celebrated on March 8. The resolution was moved by Shazia Marri: “This assembly ... pays tribute to the dynamic women of Pakistan who strive passionately for the betterment of the country and its future despite [...] impediments. The resolution appreciates the women-empowerment policies, programmes and legislations of the present democratic government and resolves to further the struggle to establish a just and equitable environment conducive for sustainable development.”

MPAs demanded more legislation and more rights for women. “Women comprise only 17 per cent of the country’s workforce in comparison to 77 per cent in Indonesia and 70 per cent in Iran.

The government should provide them more jobs,” they said.

Resolution against Geo Super CEO

The assembly also passed a resolution condemning the Geo Super CEO for allegedly threatening and misbehaving with a Supreme Court lawyer. The resolution was moved by Awami National Party MPA Amanullah Mehsud.

The mover of the resolution seemed confused, however, while he tabled the resolution as he had no idea when the incident took place and what was the name of the lawyer.

The speaker asked him, “How are you moving a resolution without accurate information?”

But Mehsood and Pakistan Peoples Party MPAs insisted that the resolution must be passed as the issue was a serious one and a responsible member of the legal fraternity had come under threat. Later, the resolution was passed unanimously and the speaker adjourned the session till Thursday.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2011.