YouTube celeb, 2nd wife under spotlight

Cabinet Division says Toshakhana gift worth over $300 cannot be retained

ISLAMABAD:

In a surprising but pleasant diversion from norm, the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Divisions took up on Friday social issues ranging from restrictions on the entry of a member’s second wife into Islamabad Club and popularity of a bizarre singer on YouTube.

During its meeting, presided over by its Chairman Rana Mahmoodul Hasan, the committee was informed that the Cabinet Division had 18 bullet-proof vehicles and six helicopters, an aviation squadron, Toshakhana gifts as well as authority to declare national public holidays.

Committee member Saleem Mandviwala pointed to a “unique problem” at the Islamabad Club which doesn’t recognise second or third wife of a member and hence doesn’t allow them to enter the premises. The chair noted that it was “a very important issue” because Islam permits four marriages. Therefore, the committee summoned the Islamabad Club management at the next meeting to sort out this matter.

During a discussion on issues related to the Cabinet Division, the committee was given a briefing by the special secretary. The members were also informed about the changes in the procedure for giving away civil awards by the government.

“For [awarding] civil awards, it is evaluated now that the recipient has done more than usual work in his or her field,” the Cabinet Division special secretary told the committee. “Singers are also considered for awards based on the views of their YouTube videos,” he added.

Committee member Aamir Chishti raised the question whether Chahat Fateh Ali Khan’s song ‘Bado Badi’ would be considered for an award. The secretary said that the number of views of the songs like ‘Bado Badi’ exceeded the entire population of Pakistan.

Aamir Chishti then turned to the committee chair and asked him if he had heard the song. “I have,” answered Rana Mahmoodul Hasan. “It gave me a headache.”

Earlier, the committee was informed that no Toshakhana gift worth $300 or more could be kept by a recipient. A ministerial committee has decided that such gifts would be auctioned or displayed at important buildings, the secretary said, adding that the value of the gift must be determined first.

During the briefing, the chair pointed out that 117 cases were pending in the federal cabinet. However, the special secretary replied that there was no matter pending in the Cabinet Division.

Senator Mandviwala said that several times the Cabinet Division announced a public holiday suddenly, even on a day’s notice. He pointed out the recently-announced holiday on Yom-e-Takbeer on May 28. The secretary said that the declaration of public holidays was the authority of the Cabinet Division.