Damning demeanour in NA

National Assembly proceedings from November 7 are a testament to the lack of professionalism still rampant among congregations of the country’s men and women who are supposed to serve as model citizens and influence the masses. During a discussion on the scarcity of water resources, inappropriate words were exchanged with threats made to use further derision. Both the ruling party and the outgoing government sought to mudsling over the other. This lack of decorum is unacceptable. Threats to call certain names, implicate a politician’s parents, or use the classic offensive accusation of one supporting the Jewish lobby are juvenile, crass, and unprofessional. Making threats to use language is akin to negative exchange of words and equally unprofessional. Professionalism is required to achieve progress, along with showing mutual respect for counterparts. Little productive conversation took place at this last meeting once the minister for water resources accused the PML-N of theft of 58% of Sindh’s allocated water.

As far as water allocation goes, getting to the actual crux of the issue, the 1991 Water Accord needs to be revised. Punjab still receives the majority share of water resources when Sindh has the larger population. Forming another committee is unnecessary as the National Water Council is already in charge of the job of sourcing and allocating the country’s water supply. Allegations need to be handled by courts, lawyers, and judges, not in the National Assembly where only matters of the state should be discussed without the blame game, which does not result in any relevant conclusions. Counter-allegations also make a mockery of members of the National Assembly. By default, this demonstrates poor faith in the legal system of one’s own country.

Disharmony will breed distrust. The turmoil and internal tussles will reduce investor interest and result in matters becoming more precarious instead of reaching a conclusion. The actual problem of water needs to be resolved with long-term solutions. Because we are in a state of continuous shortage, we must focus on the issue first, then separately pursue the court process to prove any allegations.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9^th, 2018.

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