Assembly unites on peace, governance

Lawmakers agree on joint strategy to restore stability; resolution seeks autonomy for LGs

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly witnessed a rare moment of consensus as both treasury and opposition benches agreed to develop a joint strategy for restoring peace and stability in the province. Members from all sides emphasized that ending terrorism and ensuring law and order required a united political approach rather than partisan confrontation.

During the heated debate, lawmakers including Malik Adeel, Aurangzeb, Ubaidur Rehman, and Asif Khan Mehsud noted that K-P continued to face severe security challenges. They warned that bombings and military operations alone could not bring sustainable peace. "People have given us their mandate, and our opinions must be respected," one member stated. "Is talking about peace considered terrorism?"

Several lawmakers criticized what they called the erosion of constitutional supremacy and judicial respect, arguing that political instability stemmed from repeated violations of the Constitution. They warned that the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment amounted to "another suicide attack on the Constitution," alleging that self-proclaimed defenders of democracy were undermining it.

Opposition legislators, including Farah Khan, Nisar Baz, Arifa Bibi, and Afshan Hussain, painted a grim picture of the province's situation. They condemned what they called inflammatory speeches and the use of indecent language by some members, urging for civility and seriousness in addressing public issues. "One chief minister was replaced just because a single individual was not released. The more someone shouts, the higher the office they are given," one opposition member quipped.

Members also expressed concern over the ongoing military operation against terrorists in Bajaur, saying that local residents were fleeing their homes in destitution. Many of the displaced have taken shelter in nearby schools, but "there are no facilities available for them," lawmakers lamented. They said both the Governor and Chief Secretary had been contacted regarding relief arrangements, while the security committee had been briefed that around 250 terrorists were operating in the affected areas.

Despite the significance of the debate, attendance in the 145-member house remained disappointingly low. At one point, only 24 members were present when opposition MPA Suresh Kumar pointed out a lack of quorum. The Speaker ordered the assembly bells to be rung three times before proceedings resumed. Attendance, however, dwindled again shortly afterward, though the session continued.

In another major development, the Assembly approved a motion to allow the use of the Assembly Hall for a grand jirga on security and peace in the province. The motion, tabled by Chief Minister's Advisor Taj Mohammad Tarand, was unanimously passed.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentary Leader Ahmad Kundi introduced an important resolution seeking constitutional protection for the local government system. The resolution recommended an amendment to Article 140-A of the Constitution to ensure complete political, administrative, and financial autonomy for local bodies.