Opposition protest may mar NA session today

PML-N, PPP lawmakers up in arms about economic policies, corruption probe

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly session will take place on Monday (today) at 4pm. However, sources say opposition parties, particularly the PML-N and the PPP, will hold a protest and boycott the session.

The reason, the sources said, was the non-issuance of production orders for Khawaja Saad Rafique, while those of PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif were issued.

“The PML-N will also strongly criticise the government’s economic policies. The PPP will protest against placing the names of Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and other leaders on the Exit Control List and will also boycott the proceedings along with a demand to remove those names from list,” the sources added.



According to the NA Secretariat, the session, which will be presided over by Speaker Asad Qaiser, will start with the question hour and be followed by calling attention notices and other legislative business and laying of reports before the house.

One of the key highlights of the session is the presentation of the finance bill before the house. “This is a regular session which is being held after a week’s delay,” the sources added.

According to the parliamentary calendar, the meeting of the assembly was scheduled for January 7, but its schedule was changed and it has now been called on the January 14.



The session will continue for two weeks. The final decision would be taken in a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee.

The agenda includes attention notice on WHO’s pharmaceutical reports, bill to abolish ordinance related to smoking in cinema houses.

Federal Minister Dr Shireen Mazari will present the annual report of commission for women. State Minister Ali Muhammad Khan will present a written document thanking the president of Pakistan for addressing parliament.

Another attention notice regarding the issues faced by farmers is also part of the agenda.