G-B Assembly : Coalition partners engage in mudslinging

Bill on harassment of women in workplaces sent for review.

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Assembly session on Monday was marred by mudslinging between lawmakers from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and its coalition partner the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q).

Chairing the session, G-B Assembly Speaker Wazir Baig claimed corrupt practices of coalition partners were tarnishing the name of the PPP.



His comments came as a response to the tirade of PML-Q lawmaker Mirza Hussain, who criticised the government over incomplete development schemes and widespread allegations in appointments.

“Hiring in government departments is done only after taking bribes, and tenders are awarded through corruption,” said Hussain while speaking on a point of order.

Along with PML-Q, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) are also coalition partners of the PPP in G-B.



“Coalition partners are involved in corruption, while PPP gets the blame,” asserted Baig. But Hussain responded to the rebuttal saying: “If so, why have you made us coalition partners in the government.”

Baig maintained the accountability bureau was welcome to prove Hussain’s accusations and added the latter should first clear himself of corruption charges levelled against him during his party’s tenure.

Later, another lawmaker tabled a bill regarding harassment of women in workplaces, which the speaker redirected to a select committee for review. The assembly also passed a resolution to condemn the riots in Lahore’s Joseph Colony, the twin blasts in Karachi, and the Swat Tableeghi bomb blast.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 12^th, 2013.