03 September 2004	Friday	17 Rajab 1425

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KARACHI, Sept 2: The requisition session of the Sindh Assembly on Friday is likely to witness acrimonious scenes as it would be presided over by Deputy Speaker Rahila Tiwana whose election is regarded by the opposition benches as controversial.

Speaker Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah has proceeded on leave for an official visit to the United States. The opposition benches have always protested against Ms Tiwana's chairing a session in absence of Mr Shah.

Since the session has been requisitioned by the opposition and there was no other option but to endure chairing of the session by Ms Tiwana, the opposition might have to let her go ahead with her job. However, an understanding between the opposition and treasury benches would be needed to avert an ugly situation during the deliberations.

The opposition has sought a debate on the alleged rigging in the NA-229 Tharparkar-I by-election held on Aug 18. Mr Shaukat Aziz, Finance Minister at that time, had won the seat with a wide margin. He subsequently took over as Prime Minister as planned by the PML leadership.

The opposition had also sought a debate on the same subject during the previous session, summoned by Governor Ishratul Ibad. However, the chair did not allow the debate and the session had been prorogued abruptly, without taking up even order of the day.

Opposition leader Nisar Ahmed Khuhro had tried to move an adjournment motion for the debate on alleged rigging in the by-poll but the treasury benches did not agree to allow an extension in time and the chair had to prorogue the session.

If the PPP-Parliamentarians took up the PA resolution on aliens' registration as Pakistani nationals, it may create an interesting situation as the opposition is divided over the issue. The resolution was adopted with consensus while the PPP was absent from the house proceedings.

The issues of kidnapping of a minority leader, Santosh Kumar, and increasing dacoities alleged by criminals in police uniform, is to be taken up on the floor of the house through points of order. A discussion on the subjects may put the treasury benches on the defensive.

The PPP-P's parliamentary party, which met at the residence of Mr Khuhro, has formulated its strategy for the session. The members exchanged views on countering possible moves by treasury benches.

Circles close to the PPP-P said that some of the legislators were of the view that Ms Tiwana should not be let preside over the session as her election was controversial and the case was pending a court verdict.

However, insiders said, some other members stressed on the importance of the issues to be taken up and said that even if the session was presided over by her, the opposition should let the proceedings continue after recording its protest.