IGP appologises for baton charge on senator

Senate panel accepts apology of IG Amir Zulfiqar, winds up issue

ISLAMABAD: A simple verbal apology resolved the matter of baton charge on Pakistan People Party senator.

The Senate Committee on Procedure and Privileges in its meeting on Thursday took strict notice of Islamabad police baton charge on Senator Behramand Tangi and other PPP workers when they tried to meet PPP-P Chairman Bilawal Bhutto before a hearing at a NAB Court on March 20.

A privilege motion was moved that was referred to the committee.

Islamabad IG Amir Zulfiqar Ahmed informed the committee that Section 144 had been imposed, which made the situation critical.

He said there was a security red-alert and the police deployed for the security of PPP chairman was trying to prevent any untoward incident. The sudden rush of people led to melee.

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The Islamabad police chief gave assurance that the police would be careful in the future.

The committee accepted the apology but took note of the fact that Islamabad police had earlier denied charges of baton charge. Senator Tangi stressed the need for respecting members of Parliament.

Committee Chairman Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq said that as citizens of Pakistan the law enforcement agencies of Pakistan are greatly respected, however, these must operate within the ambit of law. She added that it was imperative to ensure that breach of privilege of members of Parliament does not ensue.

The role of Federal Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Senator Muhammad Khan Swati, was greatly praised for resolving the issue.

While taking up rule amendments moved by Senator Quratulain Marri, the committee discussed in detail Rule 135, 143, 167 and 280.

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Rule 135 was withdrawn by the senator to be moved on a further date after reviewing it with law experts. Rule 143 was withdrawn if the condition that 80 per cent resolutions from last two years have been responded by the concerned department is met, a list for which would be provided by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs before the next meeting of the Committee. Rule 167 on the House Committee having eight members instead of six, was approved.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6^th, 2019.