Price hike: Opposition raises uproar

Opposition pressed govt to let it move a resolution in the NA for a vote against price hike in the country.

ISLAMABAD: The rejuvenated opposition, playing tactfully, put the government on the back-foot on Wednesday by consistently pressing it to let it move a resolution in the National Assembly for a vote against price hike in the country – a move that could prove embarrassing for the treasury benches.

Divided opposition parties like Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid joined hands in the lower house of parliament and started pressing the Speaker to allow them to move a resolution instead of having a general debate on price hike.

The opposition also vowed to resist the government’s plan to table a bill in parliament for a flood-tax. The resistance from opposition is likely to plunge the cash-starved government into a difficult position regarding the rehabilitation and reconstruction process in flood-hit areas.

“The only way the government can pass such a legislation is if it opts to throw us out … there is no other way,” said Chaudhry Nisar, the leader of the opposition, while referring to cabinet’s decision of imposing a one-time flood tax to generate additional resources for flood survivors.

“Put up or Shut Up” were the remarks of an enraged Chaudhry Nisar who, along with combined opposition stood up and chanted slogans in support of their demands. The uproar on the issue consumed at least three hours with the two sides making no headway on the issue.

As arguments over the issue intensified, many treasury members left the assembly, leaving the field wide open for the opposition. In either case, winning or losing a vote on such a resolution can provide the opposition a tool to further castigate the government.

After a heated debate, Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Fehmida Mirza came to the government’s rescue by abruptly adjourning the session to save the treasury benches from a possible embarrassment.

Opposition stands with Marvi

The Leader of the Opposition also raised the issue of Marvi Memon’s dislodging from her apartment in the Parliamentary Lodges. Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi promised to conduct an inquiry into the incident.

FM promises briefing

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also promised to take the National Assembly into confidence over the recent Pakistan-US strategic dialogue. Qureshi also shared the concerns of opposition members over President Obama’s announcement of supporting India’s bid for permanent seat in the UN security council.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th, 2010.