Shehbaz seeks NA debate on five key issues

In letter to speaker, opposition leader lists the major issues requiring discussion

ISLAMABAD: Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday asked Speaker Asad Qaiser to allow debate on major issues of national importance during the upcoming budget session beginning from June 5.

In a letter to the speaker, Shehbaz sought debate on five major issues – the ongoing coronavirus crisis, Pakistan International Airline plane crash in Karachi on May 22, sugar inquiry report, locust attack and the privatisation of certain public sector utilities.

Shehbaz, also the president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) urged the speaker to allow the opposition two hours' time on each topic to present its point of view. He proposed that relevant minister should wind up the debate, presenting the government's stance.

“Issues of national importance should be considered in the session: Shahbaz wrote in the letter to Speaker Asad Qaiser. “An agenda should be set to consider one issue of national importance every day,” the opposition leader added.

According to the letter, Shehbaz proposed that discussions should be held on the coronavirus situation, its spread and the measures taken by the government on the first day of the sitting, while the unfortunate PIA flight crash in Karachi on the second day.

The investigation report of the sugar scandal should be considered on the third day, he said, adding that on the fourth day, the issue of privatisation of airports and PIA hotels should be discussed. The situation created by the locust attack should be discussed on the fifth day.

“Give 120 minutes' time to opposition members for a purposeful discussion and then the relevant minister will conclude the debate on behalf of the government. This will give opposition a chance to raise public issues in the House and an opportunity to the government to present its stance,” he added.

“I would suggest that this action be taken as part of the pending debate on the presidential address,” Shehbaz proposed. “If you [speaker] wish, you can also hold a debate by suspending the rules through adjournment motion.”