Remembering Khanzada: PA pays tribute to slain home minister

Opposition criticises the government for its failure to ensure security for the minister

LAHORE:

The Punjab Assembly on Wednesday suspended its business for the day and dedicated the session honouring the memory of slain Home Minister Col (r) Shuja Khanzada.

A resolution passed by the House called the Attock suicide attack a national tragedy. Members expressed solidarity with families of the deceased and prayed for Khanzada and others who lost their lives in the incident. Further, the resolution sought award of highest civilian award for the law home minister and said that the House stood united with the political and military leadership of the country in the fight against terrorist outfits.

During the debate before the passage of the resolution, opposition members criticised the government for “its failure to protect its own minister”.

Law Minister Rana Sanaullah did not respond to the criticism. He said the provincial cabinet had already recommended Khanzada’s name for Tamgha-i-Shujat and suggested naming of a national institution after the home minister to honour his contributions for the country. He also said that an entitlement had been set up for families of people who lose their lives in the ongoing war against terrorism. He said it would be extended to Khanzada’s family as well.

Earlier, Leader of the Opposition Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed expressed solidarity with the federal government and security forces. However, he slammed the provincial government for its failure to ensure foolproof security for Khanzada. He said it was a matter of concern that the home minister’s body could not be recovered from under the rubble until two hours after the blast at his hometown in Shadi Khan.

PPP’s parliamentary leader Qazi Ahmad Saeed said the Armed Forces should be approached with a request for an honorary medal for Khanzada.

MPA Mian Aslam Iqbal said he would introduce two resolutions during Thursday’s session to seek highest civilian award for Khanzada and monetary compensation for his family. He urged the government to provide security to the officials leading the efforts against terrorist outfits. MPA Saadia Sohail observed that no more than half the members were present for the session. She criticised those absent form the House for the condolence session for their lack of seriousness.

Treasury member Waheed Gul agreed with Iqbal’s demand for security of officials engaged in efforts against terrorist outfits.

Later, Chaudhry Akhtar Ali Khan took oath as a member of the House. He had won by-election on PP-100 seat in Gujranwala. The seat had fallen vacant in June after the killing of his brother Chaudhry Shamshad. The House also offered prayers for (member) Kaneez Akhtar who had passed away earlier in the month during a surgery.

The session will commence on Thursday morning at 10am. 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2015.