PML-N demands agencies brief National Assembly

Opposition angles for a joint briefing from security and intelligence agencies.

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) members insisted on Tuesday on a commitment from the government for a briefing by the heads of security and intelligence agencies in a joint session of Parliament on the law and order situation, with particular emphasis on the Quetta carnage.

However, despite several assurances, the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) did not give a specific date for convening the requested session.

Religious Affairs Minister Syed Khursheed Shah said he would convey this demand to Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf to determine a set date.

“It is likely that the joint session [will] be summoned during the current week, or in the next, and that the government will not neglect this sad incident,” said Shah while addressing the National Assembly. “The matter [will] be resolved amicably.”

He referred to the imposition of Governor Rule in Balochistan, stressing the fact that the government had removed its own government in the province. Now, he said, the intelligence agencies must do their bit.

This demand was first made by PML-N’s Khawaja Asif, who insisted on a briefing during a joint sitting so that the opposition could grasp why security could not be provided to citizens, specifically the Hazaras.

“Irrespective of religious affiliation, a common man in Balochistan is insecure. And a wealthy mafia has become active in Quetta to buy the lands of the Hazaras. This mafia is also active in other affected parts of the country,” said Asif.

He expressed fear that the wave of terrorism and violence would intensify before the polls.

Asif’s sentiments were readily seconded by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) representatives.

Punjab taken to task

Although the PML-N hit out at the PPP for what it said was its inability to control the volatile law and order situation, its own government in Punjab was also targeted during the proceedings for allegedly letting militants and banned outfits roam about freely in the province.

Lawmakers from the MQM, Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) and the Awami National Party united in pointing the finger at the PML-N and urged action against terrorist sanctuaries in Punjab.

Akhtar said that the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, the outfit that has claimed responsibility for the Quetta tragedy, was operating freely in Punjab. He demanded law enforcement agencies seal their offices.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 20^th, 2013.