A file photo of Balochistan assembly. PHOTO: NNI/FILE
Provincial legislators on Monday mounted a blistering attack on political entities who are currently celebrating the imposition of governor’s rule in Balochistan, saying they had as good as signed their own political epitaphs – at least electorally.
The actions of such groupings are regrettable, the legislators said.
They also insisted that representatives of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) and Balochistan National Party (BNP-Awami) would win the upcoming election and form the next government.
They alleged that “some forces are paving the way for the National Party (NP) and Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMPA)” to sweep the next election. That is why cases have been fabricated against the JUI-F and BNP-Awami, they explained.
Only 14 out of 65 members attended Monday’s assembly session which went on despite a lack of quorum. In normal circumstances, at least 17 members are required to complete the quorum and run the business of the house.
The session—chaired by Speaker Syed Matiullah—opened about one and a half hour behind schedule.
Monday’s session follows demonstrations and rallies held by political and religious parties on Sunday across Balochistan against the imposition of governor’s rule in the province. The session was summoned by the speaker on the requisition of 19 members.
Blackmail charges
JUI-F parliamentary leader Maulana Abdul Wasay voiced criticism against the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and claimed that it was blackmailing the Balochistan Assembly.
“NAB can arrest and sling mud on the members of the Balochistan Assembly but it cannot eliminate them from the hearts of people,” proclaimed Wasay.
Asad Baloch of BNP-Awami was also critical of the imposition of governor’s rule in Balochistan and said that the province was being run “like a colony of the British Empire.”
“Following the imposition of governor’s rule, the funds for members’ constituencies were stopped,” Baloch said, adding that as members of the provincial assembly, their funds should be provided otherwise the assembly should be dissolved.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 22nd, 2013.
COMMENTS (5)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
the title of the news clip Political crisis is incorrect ( where is the crisis ?)
I swear life is much better without them. I recommend that it should be given a try it in other provinces also. Things will change for better. Last five years had made us psychological patients. A great health service to the people of Pakistan will be done, if someone bans mouthing of media, judiciary and politicians.
Talked to a friend in Quetta yesterday. He said that it is so peaceful after governor's rule and sense of security has increased. Should I believe the allegations that members of the assembly are patronizing those criminal activities.
MPA's of the dissolved Baluchistan Assembly, you are a disgrace. Where were you when the 85 victims of the twin blast and their families were sitting outside in the rain and the cold for 4 days. Why couldnt you say a word against the terrorists and kidnap mafias that roam freely in your constituencies. None of you said a word because the funds were coming in and that was all you cared about. Now you are deposed because of your criminal negligence and immense incompetence. The funds have been stopped and you cry foul. Do us a favour. Go home and shut up.