Last week’s protest: Sorry seems to be the hardest word but MQM says it

Acting Speaker criticised by fellow party member for pressing old point.

KARACHI:

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) apologised for the rough behavior of its members in the Sindh Assembly last week when a few MPAs were pushed around and assembly staff was threatened as the party protested extortion.  

However, the apology, tendered by the party’s deputy parliamentary leader Faisal Subzwari, morphed into anger soon after. The about-turn was precipitated by acting Speaker Shehla Raza’s explanation for the MQM apology.

“If a biased approach to the MQM is not ended, we will not let this house function,” Dr Sagheer Ahmed of the MQM said.

Raza incensed the MQM by saying that she too apologised to the assembly secretary and other staff for being threatened that day. “I wanted to give time to MQM members after the Fateha,” she said. “But none of them listened to me. You all have to obey the order of the speaker who is the custodian of the house and not even a court can challenge his or her authority.”

As she spoke, MQM MPA Raza Haroon stood up. “It is regrettable that you have used the words ‘unruly behaviour of MQM members’ against our party,” he said, saying she had no right to name the party as speaker. According to the rules, she can only make remarks about a member.

The MQM chanting began. “Behave like a politician, not an actor,” said MPA Aleemur Rehman. “Shah se ziyada Shah ke wafadar na banein.” (Don’t be more loyal to the king than the king himself.)

Raza responded sarcastically: “You have used very good language for me.”

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) parliamentary party leader Pir Mazharul Haq endorsed MQM’s version. “Why are you repeating the same episode here,” he said to Raza. He wondered why she had not apologised to the staff in chambers.

Haq’s criticism of a fellow party member did not go down well. PPP MPA Sassui Palijo continuously stressed that Raza had been right. But as Haq continued to harangue the speaker, she adjourned the session till today (Tuesday) without completing the agenda.

Jatoi-MQM apology

The session started by a one-and-a-half hour delay at around 11:30 am. PPP members were busy mediating between the Jatoi brothers and MQM leaders.

During the session, Masroor Jatoi had wanted to table a resolution condemning the MQM for pushing around his brother Arif Jatoi and other members as well as damaging microphones last week. But Pir Mazharul Haq diverted the speaker’s attention to Faisal Subzwari who was also seeking permission for a point of order. “Our brother [Faisal Subzwari] has to speak on the same issue,” he said. “Please give him permission first.”

Subzwari apologized, saying they protested when they were denied permission to speak on extortion. He said that party leader Altaf Hussain had good relations with Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, the father of Arif Mustafa Jatoi. “We regret and apologise to Arif and other members on whatever happened inside the assembly.”

All members, including Masroor Jatoi, thumped their desks. Jatoi repeated Subzwari’s words, adding that they would join hands against extortion, but would not let anyone breach the privilege of the assembly.

Later, in the briefing, Shazia Marri called differences between coalition partners the beauty of democracy. Sources in the PPP told The Express Tribune that after the session some members expressed their concern over Haq’ remarks against Shehla Raza. But he responded to by saying, “Our party leadership has given us the task of reconciling the matter. I will lodge your complaint with him and say that you people are creating problems for us.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2012.