Islamabad Club generates revenue independently, law minister informs NA

Asad Qaiser alleges elite clubs provide leisure activities to VVIPs while funds are needed for public service

ISLAMABAD:

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, informed the National Assembly (NA) on Monday that the Islamabad Club generates its revenue independently, without relying on federal government funds.

The minister was responding to a query from NA member and former speaker, Asad Qaiser of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), who had requested details regarding the operations and revenue of the Islamabad Club.

Qaiser expressed concerns that elite clubs such as the Islamabad Club and Gymkhana were providing leisure and entertainment facilities to VVIPs in a country where many resources are needed for public service. 

He suggested that these large clubs be converted into universities or other public institutions to serve the community better.

In response, the Tarar pointed out that Qaiser himself was a voluntary member of the Islamabad Club, highlighting the irony in his statement.

Adding to the discussion, senior MNA from Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), Syed Khurshid Shah, remarked, "Since Asad Qaiser is a member of the club, he should return his membership in protest. He should also stop using his car and start walking to Parliament from now on."