KARACHI, Dec 11: The debate on law and order situation in the Sindh Assembly remained inconclusive as the session had to be adjourned due to the demise of Maulana Shah Ahmed Noorani, President of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA).

As usual, many MPAs from both the sides of the divide arrived very late delaying the commencement of Thursday’s session.

There was more rhetoric than substance as Jam Madad, Shamim Ara Panhwar, and Shakir Ali, taking part in the discussion, spoke the oft repeated partyline on corruption, rise in crime due to unemployment, Karo-kari, kidnapping for ransom, etc.

They also repeated the call for an increase in police personnel’s salaries and facilities for their families to ensure an improved performance by the department.

It is shocking to note that the legislators have not so far deliberated upon the details of new police laws, the idea of community and neighbourhood policing, and merits and demerits of inducting local people with an aim of improving law and order situation.

Perhaps the MPAs have not even bothered to go through the new laws. Rather, they are just trying to make their presence felt.

Performance of the ruling coalition was also disappointing because its members were just using their numerical superiority to get away with substantive issues by trading accusations, mostly connected with the past.

The Speaker, Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah, tried to cut short and wind up the debate by suggesting that four members from either side should speak. However, the MPAs did not agree with him. One of the ministers, Mr Shoaib Bokhari, said that all those willing to speak should be allowed to express their views.

This put the treasury benches in a fix and the Speaker asked both the sides to sort it out. In the meantime, the session was adjourned for Zuhar prayers during which the news of Maulana Shah Ahmed Noorani’s death was received.

When the proceedings resumed, leader of the opposition Nisar Khuhro suggested that proceeding be put off as a mark of respect for the Maulana who was not only a veteran political leader and one of the top religious figures, but also a Senator elected by this House. He also suggested that a reference should also be held to pay homage to Maulana Noorani.

Nasrullah Shaji, deputy parliamentary leader of the MMA, led the prayer for the departed soul.

After consensus, the Speaker adjourned the session to December 17.