NA session: Power outages, fuel prices and foreign policy on the anvil

A heated debate is expected as the lower house opens its 35th session today.


Express October 03, 2011

ISLAMABAD:


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)

KHalilullah | 12 years ago | Reply

@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!

Ishrat Salim | 12 years ago | Reply @Pundit....comment by Mr H A Khan will not bring in " revolution " as his comment is very relevant under the present conditions - for the past 3.5 years there has been only 44 % attendance in the NA...why such a low attendance & the irony is these un-attending members draw salary etc;..is this not criminal...??...the present mess will surely bring " revolution "..insha Allah.....
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