Sindh Assembly : MPAs refuse to discuss WAPDA’s power tariff hike

Argue that the issue is a federal concern and should be left to the National Assembly.


Hafeez Tunio May 11, 2011

KARACHI:


The treasury did not allow the opposition to discuss the 27-paisa increase in the power tariff by the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) during the Sindh Assembly session on Wednesday, because it was a “federal government issue”.


MPA Nusrat Seher Abbasi of the Pakistan Muslim League-Functional was put off when she wanted to set aside other issues on the agenda to discuss this one. She said the two per cent special surcharge negatively affects the people. However, Speaker Nisar Ahmed Khuhro asked her to prove that the adjournment motion was not against assembly rules.

Abbasi insisted her plea did not contradict the rules, but she was dismissed by the law minister, Ayaz Soomro, and the minister for power, Shazia Marri, who said that the National Assembly has discussed the matter and therefore it was not one for the Sindh Assembly.

This was the second time in three days that the opposition’s adjournment motions were turned down by ministers. The speaker quoted assembly rules to say that the adjournment cannot be brought up but members can put forth a resolution instead.

Abbasi argued that many federal government issues are discussed at the provincial level. “If the issue indeed falls under the federal government, then which authority allowed the provincial minister for power to give a statement on the Karachi Electric Supply Company issue,” she said.

Marri pointed out that, “the Sindh government opposed the recent power tariff increase by taking a stand at the Nepra meeting”.   Opposition leader Jam Madad Ali said the government was “discouraging democratic culture” by thwarting discussions. Nevertheless, the speaker did not allow the opposition’s request despite repeated requests.

Census

PML-Q’s Razzak Rahimoon said that several scheduled caste Hindus were left out during the house listings in Thar. He was assured by the law minister of an inquiry.

Pakistan Peoples Party’s Agha Siraj Durrani, the minister for local government, said that the development started by the previous government is not up to the mark. He gave the example of the bridges and flyovers built in Larkana and Khairpur. “We will take action against the old contractors and nazims if anyone lodges a complaint,” he said.

Water agreement with Afghanistan

The lawmakers asked the government to sign a water agreement with Afghanistan. National Peoples Party’s Arif Mustafa Jatoi said that 20 MAF water was being released from the Kabul River out of 114 MAF water available in the Indus River. However, India is also establishing a hydro power project on the Kabul River which could affect Sindh’s share.

“We do not have any agreements with Afghanistan on water and we need an agreement under the Indus Water Treaty to make sure no one can stop our share,” said Jatoi.  Irrigation minister, Jam Saifullah Dharejo, agreed, saying they would consult the federal government.

During the session, the Sindh Protection of Human Rights, 2011, and the Sindh Tourist Guides Bill, 2011, bills were introduced. The standing committee’s reports on irrigation, revenue, home and education were deferred till the next session today (Thursday).

Published in The Express Tribune, May 12th, 2011.

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