Agreeing to disagree: MPAs agree PPO is bad, fail to pass resolution against it

Decide to refer the matter to a standing committee.

KARACHI: The lawmakers in Sindh agreed that the Pakistan Protection Ordinance (PPO) is against basic fundamental rights yet they were unable to pass a resolution against it. The matter has now been referred to a standing committee on law and parliamentary affairs.

The MPAs on both the treasury and the opposition benches, except for those belonging to the Pakistan Muslim League — Nawaz (PML-N), dubbed the PPO as a 'black law'. They claimed that it violates the Constitution of Pakistan and supersedes the judicial system. Tuesday marks the fourth time the PPO survived the Sindh Assembly.



The session started with speaker Agha Siraj Durrani in chair. Muttahida Qaumi Movement's (MQM) Khawaja Izharul Hassan moved a resolution against the PPO and claimed it violates basic human rights as it legalises extrajudicial killings. "Following the promulgation of the ordinance, the law enforcement agencies could enter any house without a warrant, keep people in their custody for up to 90 days and shoot without any consequences," he said. "We have no objections if any law is being framed to counter terrorism but the PPO is a complete violation of the Constitution." Hassan urged the federal government to strengthen the existing law and make amendments to it.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) members also criticised the ordinance and claimed it was tantamount to imposing "mini martial law". But when it came to passing the resolution, they suggested referring it to the standing committee for review. "The resolution is not specific," claimed PPP's Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani.

"We have always adopted unanimous resolutions so we will request you to please refer it to the newly formed standing committee to redraft it so that we can convey a clear message."

According to Bijarani, there was a dire need to have a law to deal with terrorism so that sense prevails for good governance. He felt, however, that the PPO will create more problems rather than resolve them. "There are a few mistakes made in the ordinance that can be overcome through amendments," he said.

"If the MQM and other parties have grievances, they can redraft the resolution, pointing out the 'inhumane' clauses."

Other MQM, PPP and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members were anxiously waiting for their turn to speak on the issue but the speaker only allowed a few. PTI's Dr Seema Zia pointed out that her party has suggested 40 amendments in the National Assembly and will oppose the law at all forums. "We cannot give anyone the right to torture and kill innocent people," she said.

Meanwhile, the leader of the the opposition, Faisal Subzwari, shared his party's concerns with handing over the resolution to the standing committee. "We will challenge it in the court of law even if the senate adopts it," he warned. On their turn, Nisar Khuhro and Sharjeel Memon also criticised the PPO but supported the referral to the standing committee.

However, PML-N parliamentary leader Irfanullah Marwat lauded the government's intent to make the law. "After 9/11, the US, the UK and other countries have made laws for homeland security," he said.

"We should also do the same because the PPO is not against any specific party or group." He pointed out that the chief minister, Qaim Ali Shah, had initially supported the PPO and urged for the same enthusiasm from others.

Marwat explained that the federal government will appreciate any suggestions to amend the ordinance, which will only be implemented for two years. "But it is impossible to withdraw it," he added.

The speaker adjourned the session till Friday. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2014.