Parliamentary body on water resources irked over absence of minister

Members resolve to write to PM over non-serious attitude of government officials

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources expressed serious displeasure on Monday over the absence of the minister for water resources and noted that the issue of water, which was a top priority, was being neglected by the government as it displayed non-serious attitude towards the committee gathered to discuss the matter.

"They are crying on TVs over the water issue but cannot spare even five minutes to attend the meeting of the standing committee," regretted Committee Chairman Senator Shamim Afridi.

The committee expressed annoyance over the absence of the minister, Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Chairman and other senior officers. The meeting was adjourned without any proceedings due to unavailability of senior officials of the ministry and Wapda.

Afridi continued that the minister could speak on televisions but avoids talking where his comments are actually needed. Other senators in the meeting also expressed their disapproval over the situation.

The members resolved to pen a letter to the prime minister and Senate chairman over the matter. The committee fixed December 20 as the date for the next meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th, 2018.

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