NA session: Power outages, fuel prices and foreign policy on the anvil
As the government ventures to seek approval of the resolution passed unanimously at the All Parties Conference (APC), a heated debate over load-shedding and hike in oil prices is likely to dominate the proceedings in the lower house of Parliament.
The lower house opens its 35th session on Monday (today) in the aftermath of the APC, comprising 58 politicians from across the political spectrum, which rejected the US’ recent allegations and vowed to protect the state’s sovereignty. The 34th session of the National Assembly, which was prorogued on its opening day on September 12 due to the devastating floods in Sindh, adjourned the issue of Karachi violence which was likely to dominate the proceedings of the opposition-requisitioned session.
Issues likely to come up
Consequently, a strong reaction of some political parties is expected on load shedding and a hike in petroleum prices. Other issues, including Pakistan’s foreign policy are likely to be on the anvil.
The national flag-carrier, Pakistan International Airline’s multi-billion deficit, the outbreak of dengue and the Afghan imbroglio are also expected to be raised in the 35th session, along with the US and Kabul’s allegations regarding ISI’s links with the Haqqani network.
The largest opposition party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), will focus on load shedding, hike in oil prices and the issue of target killings in Balochistan, according to MNA Ahsan Iqbal.
“We will take a firm stance against government’s failure to overcome load shedding,” he told The Express Tribune. A committee will also be constituted to ensure the implementation on the recently-passed joint resolution, he added.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Kamil Ali Agha said that after the APC’s resolution it had become necessary for parliamentarians to play their due role for the implementation of the joint resolution in letter and spirit.
“The thirteen-point resolution will assure national security after getting Parliament’s endorsement,” he said.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Fauzia Wahab said that Mullen’s statement and the Afghan policy will be the focus of the session and domestic issues will be discussed during questions/answers session.
“The main focus of this session should be on the emerging security situation in the region,” said Awami National Party (ANP) MNA Bushra Gohar.
“Issues like severe load shedding, floods and Karachi violence will also be discussed,” she said.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 3rd, 2011.
COMMENTS (6)
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@H.A. Khan: If they are paid to legislate then why do you expect them to resolve public problems? if one sees it, they are inundated with all sorts of work and those works are given by the public themselves!
We have chosen to fight with our biggest donor and angered the US who has now tightened the purse strings. The world community is also not in mood to help us with their billions in aid. China is willing to give us mobile phones with torch facility, but not hard cash.
Our economy is ailing and the mango season is not year-around. Considering that we have always been living on doles since our independence, it is time to accept that we are going to face horrific times in the days to come. Power cuts now will become more frequent, with power only coming for a few hours a day. Fuel prices are going to skyrocket, and only the rich can afford to travel. You and I will have to stay content in the home, preferably having religious discussions by candle light.
When there is money shortage, power shortage and fuel shortage, will the food shortage be far behind? It is bound to happen in a few months. **When food riots start, then the world will call it a Pakistan Spring.
Remember I Told You This First !
@H.A. Khan: Do u want a revolution in Pakistan?
The building looks quite nice & quite inspired by the Arabic architecture. From the look of it, Pakistan seems to be an economically strong country.
The members of National Assembly should meet without Air-conditioners on. And the entitlement of free petrol litres should be fixed based on prices of Petrol as existed on 01-07-2011. The National Assembly website should give daily attendance of every member---every day assembly is in session.Also if a member participated in debate on any given day or asked any question. They get paid to legislate; they better earn their place