ISLAMABAD, July 13: The Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges on Monday took a serious notice of the "wilful" absence of the Punjab home secretary from the meeting and directed that in the next meeting he should personally explain the reasons for his absence.

According to a handout, the committee further directed that the government officials summoned before the committee should attend the meetings in person instead of deputing representatives, unless they had cogent reasons, which should be given in writing.

The committee met under the chairmanship of Sardar Nasrullah Khan Dareshak in the Parliament House to consider three different privilege motions moved by MNAs Makhdoom Syed Ali Raza Gillani, Mohammad Laeque Khan and Chaudhry Ijaz Ahmad.

Discussing the privilege motion moved by MNA Makhdoom Syed Ali Raza Gilani against the alleged misbehaviour of Tehsil Officer (regulations), Ahmadpur East, the chairman observed that the government functionaries should be courteous to the public representatives and the masses, and redress their complaints as early as possible.

The Punjab local government secretary apprised the committee of the inquiry conducted by the department regarding the unfortunate incident. He said the inquiry in this respect had already been completed and would be presented to the Local Government Commission on July 22.

The recommendations of the commission on the said report would be presented to the committee enabling it to take a decision. The committee postponed further deliberation on the motion till the next meeting.

The committee also had an intense discussion on the privilege motion moved by MMA MNA from Karachi, Mohammad Laeque Khan, regarding his alleged detention and arrest by the SHO of Sharifabad police station on the day of by-election on May 12.

Taking serious note of the rude behaviour of the police towards the MNA, the chairman directed the additional IG Sindh to conduct a thorough inquiry in this regard and submit its findings to the committee. The privilege motion moved by MNA from Mandi Bahauddin, Chaudhry Ijaz Ahmad, was disposed of as the MNA withdrew his motion since the matter had been amicably settled.