The upper house convenes: Senate revs up on petrol price increase

MQM, PML-N and other parties stage a ‘serious walkout’ in protest.

ISLAMABAD:

The government is facing stiff resistance in Parliament – not only from the opposition parties but also some of its allies – against the recent rise in the prices of petroleum products.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), an ally of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party, joined hands  with opposition parties in the Senate in what the parties termed a ‘serious walkout’ to register their displeasure with the new hike.

Along with the MQM, Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz (PML-N), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Pakistan Muslim League-Likeminded (PML-LM), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) and Pakhtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) made it clear to the government that their protest is not a cosmetic move. They will, they say, continue to press the government till it takes back its decision.

Sensing the mood of the house, Chairman Farooq H Naek tactfully attempted to soothe the enraged members, and announced that he would let the house discuss the matter for two hours at an ‘appropriate’ time.

Petroleum Minister Dr Asim Hussain, while opposing the motion, said petroleum prices were not in the hands of the government. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) calculates prices on a monthly basis, he said, adding that the change in dollar-rupee parity affects fuel prices. He pointed out that there had been increase in petroleum prices internationally.

Dr Hussain was of the view that the general sales tax (GST) and petroleum development levy (PDL) were part of a bill that cannot be reversed. “If someone has an objection, he must adopt the proper procedure”, he said, meaning that legislation would be required for it.

Parliamentary leader of the PML-N Ishaq Dar was, however, not convinced with the argument as he pointed out that GST and PDL had been withdrawn through an administrative order last year.

The absence of ministers during the question hour once again caused embarrassment for the government.

Ishaq Dar went to the extent of proposing that the chair use his powers to withdraw for one week the flag and squad of the ministers ignoring the house proceedings. Chairman of the parliamentary committee on national security, Raza Rabbani, also observed that rule 237 of the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the Senate, 1988, empowers the chairman to take appropriate measures if the proceedings of the house are hindered. Farooq Naek reserved his ruling on the issue.

Law Minister Moula Bux Chandio was the only minister in the house when the issue was raised. Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Ghouri, Dr Hussain himself, and Minister for Postal Services Sardar Umer later came to the house.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 2^nd, 2012.