Leader of opposition: Heated debate expected in Senate on Haidri’s appointment

PML-N has not yet decided on whether to participate in the floor debate.

ISLAMABAD:

The Senate is all set to witness an intense debate on the controversial nomination of leader of opposition for the first time in parliamentary history which has resulted in sharpening the conflict between the JUI-F and the PML-N.

Senators from across party lines will present their arguments on Monday for and against the nomination of Maulana Ghafoor Haidri of the JUI-F, which has already overshadowed the debate on the budget. Despite Chairman Senate Farooq H Naik’s efforts to mediate between PML-N and JUI-F senators in three consecutive meetings, he has not been to reconcile their differences.

The PML-N has asked Naik to suspend his ruling and give a fixed time-frame for a judgment on the nomination after conducting a hearing on the floor of the House. But Naik has not complied with the request. Since both parties have shown themselves to be inflexible over the opposition leader’s nomination, Naik has given a ruling to conduct legal proceedings in the Senate in an attempt to avoid a legal battle in the Supreme Court.

Since there are visible grievances, he said “I have decided in the interest of justice, acuity and fair play to solicit the opinion of legal experts.”

However, the PML-N will consult its allies on Monday to arrive at a decision. It is unclear whether they will agree to a debate on the floor of the House or petition the court for justice, according to Senator Haroon Khan of the PML-Q like-minded.  Senator Pervaiz Rashid said the five independent members from treasury benches could not vote for Haidri until they cross over to the opposition. “It is against the rules as well as parliamentary practice since members who sit on treasury benches cannot vote for leader of opposition.”

Senators Azam Swati and Rehmatullah Kakar of the JUI-F will defend Haidri’s appointment, according to Senator Talha Mehmood.  Senator Ishaq Dar will contest Haidri’s nomination.



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