Unwanted residents

We need to see a dignified exit from the parliamentary lodges rather than the ugliness of a forced eviction.


Editorial May 22, 2013
The identities and affiliations of the 141 who have chosen not to shift remain unclear. PHOTO: ONLINE/ FILE

All but around 30 of the 171 MNAs who lost their places in the legislature after the May 11 election have failed to vacate the parliamentary lodges allotted to them for use during their stint in parliament. This means 141 lodges, which should have been vacated to allow newly elected MNAs to move in, remain occupied. Even a notice served to the ex-MNAs by the National Assembly Secretariat, asking them to leave the premises by March 20 has had no impact, with the accommodation still in use by them. Several ministers are reported also to have not moved out of the residences provided to them in the Ministers’ Colony in Islamabad, adding to the problems for authorities. Of the 276 suites reserved for MNAs, around 80 will be retained by those who have kept their seats. The 30 ousted MNAs who have moved out are said mainly to be linked to the PPP. The identities and affiliations of the 141 who have chosen not to shift remain unclear. Their names should be made public.

Similar situations have arisen before. After the 2008 polls, the CDA had to move in to forcibly evict defeated MNAs reluctant to move out. It is reported to be considering such action again. The failure of the MNAs to act in a legal and ethical manner does not reflect well on our politicians. Since these honourable persons have themselves failed to do the right thing, setting a terrible example to others, perhaps their parties need to step in. It is important they enforce some element of discipline on their own members, for their actions, after all, also reflect on the groups they are associated with. We need to develop a more wholesome political culture. This is important for our nation so that respect can be built for democracy. Persons who play a role in this must do their bit by acting responsibly and not abusing their positions. We need to see a dignified exit from the parliamentary lodges within the next few days, rather than the ugliness of a forced eviction.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23rd, 2013.

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