Back in business: Sindh Assembly session to resume today

PTI MPA to table resolution for extension of Rangers powers

KARACHI: Sindh Assembly session is going to resume from today.

Acting governor Agha Siraj Durrani has summoned the session on the request of Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.

According to officials, a bill pertaining to Zakat and Usr is on the agenda, which is likely to be passed today.

"Government is making an amendment to give district councils powers to appoint district zakat committee chairmen in Sindh," said a member of Sindh Assembly. The session, which will be chaired by deputy speaker Shehla Raza, will also include question and answers session of anti-corruption department and adjournment motion on the establishment of medical colleges in Sindh.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPA Khurrum Sher Zaman also tabled a resolution for the extension of Rangers' powers, which expired on January 15.

"We demand the government to give Rangers' power for an indefinite period rather than three months. These special powers should be given for the entire province," Zaman said, adding that his party will protest if powers are not given to paramilitary force.

Sindh information adviser Moula Bux Chandio remarked some politicians are trying to create issues regarding the matter of Rangers' powers. "There is no dispute between Rangers and Sindh government. The summary is under process and powers will be given soon," he said.

Forced conversion bill

It will also be the first session since Sindh Assembly passed the forced conversion law in November, last year.

Former governor Justice (retd) Saeeduzaman Siddiqui had returned the bill and suggested to reconsider it.  "The governor's message will be presented in the assembly. It is assembly's prerogative to make amendments to it, refer to standing committees for suggestion or withdraw it," remarked an official said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2017.