In a rare occurrence, the treasury and opposition benches seemed to be on the same page as they both evolved a consensus in the Sindh Assembly to amend the controversial local government law which recently dominated headlines.
As Tuesday's session started, Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani, while referring to a Supreme Court's decision, said that the government, after consultation with opposition parties, have finalised the names of a select committee comprising members both sides.
He added that the committee, after deliberation, will recommend amendments in light of the apex court's decision to empower the local bodies system and devolve resources to the grass-root level.
The select committee comprises of Haleem Adil Sheikh, Khurram Sher Zaman, Firdous Shamim Naqvi and Arsalan Taj from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). At the same time, Mohammad Hussain, Kanwar Naveed Jameel and Javeed Hanif of MQM as well as Barrister Hassain Miraz and Nand Kumar Goklani of GDA will also be members, while Nasir Hussain Shah and Saeed Ghani have been nominated to represent the PPP government.
"We have to finish deliberations on this issue as soon as possible so that we can amend the law," the speaker asserted. Soon after the passage of local government law, opposition parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) MQM and PTI took to the roads to protest against the bill.
Gas loadshedding, petroleum price hike
During the session, the assembly adopted a unanimous resolution to demand the withdrawal of the hike in prices of petroleum products and end gas loadsheeding in the province. The resolution was moved by Nand Kumar Golkani of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA).
Presenting his resolution, Goklani said that Sindh produces 64 per cent of the country's total gas, yet it was not given its due share. Referring to Article 158 of the Constitution, he said, "Sindh has first right of use over natural gas as it is being produced from the province."
He added even though the GDA was a coalition partner of the PTI-led federal government, his party would not compromise on people's issues and their rights. "Most of the CNG stations are closed and people are unable to cook food due to the absence of natural gas in their stoves," he lamented.
Energy Minister Imtiaz Shaikh said the provincial government had lodged many protests with the federal government and also took up the issue in front of the prime minister, but all in vain. "Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has raised the issue many times the issue in the Council of Common Interest, but the federal government gives a lukewarm response," he said. Imtiaz added that the chief minister had also written letters to the federal energy minister, but was unable to garner a response.
Adeel Ahmed of PTI held the previous government responsible for the energy crisis. "This has ensued because of the wrong policies and decisions of former rulers," he claimed. The PTI man added that after the economy, the energy crisis is the second most important issue confronted by people living in Pakistan.
"The previous governments inked agreements and made contracts with different companies at exorbitant prices. This all is being revived by our government in Islamabad," he said, suggesting the provincial government avoid the misuse of gas. He alleged the commodity is being stolen in the province and provided to certain sugar mills.
Heer Soho of PPP said that the people Sindh were facing severe hardships due to the 'incompetence' of the federal government. After a debate on this issue, the resolution was passed.
Earlier as the question hour session kicked off, Sindh Energy Minister Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh announced that the provincial government would create legislation to establish its own "Sindh Electric and Power Regulatory Authority" under the pattern of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to regulate electricity supply in the province.
"This all is being done because the federal government has failed to consider 'cheap' electricity projects. There is injustice with the people of Sindh as they are getting exorbitant bills, allied with hours of loadshedding of gas and electricity in every nook and cranny," Shaikh said while responding to questions asked by lawmakers.
"We will present the draft for the establishment of SEPRA in the cabinet and then in the provincial assembly. The constitution allows us to have our own regulatory body," said the minister. He demanded that the federal government hand over the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company, Sukkur Electric Supply Company and gas regulatory bodies to the provincial government. "We demand this because the federal government is unable to run these institutions effectively," he concluded in his speech on the matter.
Meanwhile, the issue of the controversial Kalabagh Dam was raised by Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro. In response to Prime Minister Imran Khan's speech on the issue, Shoro said that the people of Sindh would never allow the construction of the Kalabagh dam.
"Three provinces have already rejected this scheme with this house adopting a number of resolutions on it. So, there is no any chance for the construction of this dam," he said while outlining the Sindh government's policy statement.
Later, the speaker adjourned the session till February 23.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 16th, 2022.
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