PM’s advice: President summons NA, Senate sessions on Jan 21

Expected to discuss key developments, including governor rule in Balochistan.

ISLAMABAD:

President Asif Ali Zardari has summoned sessions of both the lower and upper houses of Parliament to convene on January 21.

According to a press release issued by the Presidency on Thursday, the president summoned the National Assembly and Senate session to be held simultaneously at 4:30pm on Monday.

Key political developments, including the imposition of Governor’s rule in Balochistan are likely to dominate discussions during the sessions. The energy crisis and the deteriorating law and order situation in the country will also be discussed in the houses. The National Assembly session was summoned by President Zardari on the advice of Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.



Talking to The Express Tribune, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief whip Aftab Ahmad Shaikh said the coming session is a routine one with no particular agenda to dominate the session. However, he said Governor’s rule in Balochistan and the deteriorating law and order situation were likely to be debated.

Meanwhile, members of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement will lodge a strong protest against the killing of its member of the Sindh provincial assembly, who was gunned down in Karachi. According to sources, preparations for the upcoming elections, forming a caretaker set up and judiciary-related issues will be discussed.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2013.