01 October 2004	Friday	15 Shaban 1425

KARACHI, Sept 30: What constitutional provisions dealt with the Gen Pervez Musharraf's desire to retain two offices simultaneously, asked Munawwar Sultana, a participant at the Pakistan Legislative Strengthening Consortium (PLSC).

The lady advocate, while participating in the researchers orientation workshop held at a local hotel on Thursday, was anxious to know whether the assembly was within its competence to pass such resolutions?.

Justice (retd) Ghaus Muhammad, director-general of the Sindh Judicial Academy, who presided the workshop, said that assembly members could present the resolution, but they were not binding.

The resolution would be merely a recommendation and would reflect the wishes of assembly members, according to Constitution. The retired justice was presiding over the one day workshop on the rules of procedure in the Sindh assembly as well as training needs of civil organizations of Sindh to help legislators make people-friendly legislation aimed at bringing a social change and improving constituents' life.

Representatives of as many 60 civil organizations from Jacobabad, Nawabshah, Larkana, Shikarpur, Naushero Feroz, as well as adjoining districts attended the workshop, which was a follow up of a similar workshop held at Hyderabad on Tuesday.

Justice Ghaus explained that according to the rules all legislative proposals must be introduced by the members who have to seek the leave of the assembly before introducing it. He said the civil society organization must at best lobby with their respective MPAs and persuade them to present law proposals or sponsor assembly questions concerning urgent public matters.

A training needs assessment was also conducted by Mr. Ahmed Gillani. Mr Gillani advised the civil society organisation to prioritise their needs and place determine on its value for the society and then liaise with legislators in their own area.

Former additional secretary National Assembly Jonaid Iqbal gave presentations on Rules of Procedure and Legislative Process of Sindh Assembly in the workshop. A comprehensive question and answer session was held after the presentations. Aazar Ayaz, chief executive of the Researchers, secretary of Sindh Assembly Hadi Bukhsh Buriro and the additional secretary Mr Chachar also spoke.