Parliamentarians expect heated debate on Karachi

NA, Senate sessions in Islamabad to focus on simmering tension in Karachi.

ISLAMABAD: Parliament is likely to witness heated debate on the ongoing bloodshed in Karachi and allegations and counter-allegations by some political parties, with one lawmaker suggesting that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement be banned as a “terrorist organisation.”

“The Supreme Court must ban the MQM as intelligence agencies have ample proof of its atrocities,” Awami National Party (ANP) Senator Afrasiab Khattak said on Sunday.

Keeping in mind the gravity of the situation, main political parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), ANP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz have called meetings on Monday before the National Assembly session to chalk out a strategy.

“A clear-cut line must be drawn against the influential culprits to bring them to justice,” said JI’s Senator Muhammad Ibrahim.

MQM senior leader Haider Abbas Rizvi also expected heated debate in both houses but did not comment on it. “Let’s follow the policy, whichever way the wind blows.”

PML-N lawmaker Pervaiz Rashid said that his party will demand a judicial probe into revelations made by former Sindh home minister Zulfiqar Mirza.

Pakistan Peoples Party members hoped that political temperatures in Karachi will defuse as both houses meet. However, they did not comment on the war of words between allies MQM and ANP. “The role of ANP and MQM is important for strengthening democracy,” a woman MNA said.

Lawmakers believe this session will prove a real test for NA Speaker Fehmida Mirza as she will be presiding over the lower house after her husband’s shocking revelations.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th,  2011.