Rare unity in PA against Pak 'Board of Peace' decision

Lawmakers warn the move could harm Palestine, question govt's decision-making process

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Tuesday saw rare consensus between the treasury benches and Jamaiat Uelma-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) over Pakistan's decision to join the international Peace Board, with both sides demanding immediate withdrawal from the body.

During the assembly session, JUI-F leader Maulana Lutfur Rehman said Pakistan's inclusion in the board would undermine the Palestinian struggle, calling the move "harmful and unacceptable." Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam echoed these concerns, questioning how Pakistani representatives could sit alongside nations responsible for the "massacre of Palestinian Muslims," referring to the US and Israel.

Maulana Lutfur Rehman highlighted that Pakistan's parliament was not consulted before joining the board and emphasized that the decision contradicted national interests. He warned that while the US threatens Palestine, it also chairs the Peace Board, raising questions about Pakistan's accountability to its citizens.

The assembly also discussed broader security issues, including ongoing debates on law and order in the province. A security committee, formed three months ago, had held several meetings to assess operational readiness, but Law Minister Aftab Alam criticized the process, stating that strengthening institutions is the federal and provincial government's responsibility, and the province cannot absolve itself of accountability.

The session also spotlighted long-standing developmental concerns. Lawmakers raised questions about 113 schools in Abbottabad destroyed in the 2005 earthquake that remain unreconstructed after two decades. PML-N lawmaker Amna Sardar criticized the slow pace of rebuilding, while treasury member Nazir Ahmad Abbasi called it a "serious issue," noting that generations of children have been educated under open skies.

Minority representation in government departments also came under scrutiny. Minority lawmaker Suresh Kumar highlighted unfilled quotas across 25 departments, with 146 of 226 reserved positions left vacant. Law Minister Alam directed that the issue be referred to the relevant committee for further review.

The assembly witnessed tensions as well. Opposition member Jalal Khan clashed with Law Minister Alam over quorum issues during the debate on Palestine. Presiding Officer Anwar Khan intervened to maintain order, and the session was ultimately adjourned until Friday, January 30, due to quorum concerns.