As the clock ticks down to the dissolution of the Sindh Assembly, a lack of engagement among its members continues to cast a shadow on its proceedings. On Tuesday, the house encountered a setback as a lack of quorum halted any meaningful progress, forcing an adjournment of the session until Wednesday morning.
Under the chairmanship of Ghanwer Isran, the house convened on Tuesday with an attendance of 148 out of the total 168 MPAs, leaving a conspicuous absence of 20 representatives. This absenteeism severely hampered the advancement of the agenda.
Expressing deep concern over this unfortunate situation, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla, one of the three ministers present out of the 18 in the Sindh cabinet, couldn't help but lament the discouragingly low turnout.
He emphasised that it was supposed to be a "private members' day," a special occasion designed to provide the opposition with a platform to raise their resolutions or voice any pressing concerns in the house. Regrettably, the opposition members chose to stay away.
Traditionally, the "Private Members' Day" has served as a crucial platform for the opposition to make their voices heard and engage in constructive discussions within the house. However, on this particular occasion, both government and opposition members were noticeably absent, seemingly opting to indulge in the delights of the rainy season from the comfort of their homes rather than fulfilling their solemn duties in the assembly meeting.
Such disinterest among the representatives raises concerns about the effectiveness and seriousness of their roles in the legislative process.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 26th, 2023.
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