KARACHI, April 6: The Sindh Assembly session begins here on Friday amid an uneasy situation within the ruling coalition partners over exercise of powers and in a politically-charged situation in the aftermath of siege of Akhtar Mengal’s residence and bomb attack on Allama Hasan Turabi.
These issues provide enough ground for a showdown between treasury and opposition benches. In addition, the joint opposition will also make attempts to raise other issues by tabling motions on demolition of villages, untoward incident of March 6 on the day of elections for senators from Sindh in which three MPAs Mukesh Kumar, Irfan Shah and Maulana Omar Sadiq were rouged up by security personnel. Ban on entry of journalists and photographers despite permission from the provincial election commissioner may also be taken up for discussion.
The issue of mishandling of MPAs has been included in the order of the day through a privilege motion by Irfan Ali Shah.
Another matter which would be raised for discussion by the opposition is about disappearance of general secretary of the Jeay Sindh Mohaz Dr Safdar Sarki.
In the order of the day, another important item of the opposition is adjournment motion by Jam Saifullah Dharejo to discuss the World Bank report on Sindh’s economy.
In the official business, besides other routine amendment bills, includes reconsideration of an amendment in the Sindh Public Service Commission Act returned by the governor pertaining to exercise of powers by the competent authority.
Meanwhile, on Thursday evening, ruling coalition Parliamentary Party met Leader of the House Dr Ghulam Arbab Rahim in the chair. In the meeting, different matters were considered and strategy was formulated for the Friday’s session.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said the New Year’s budget was being made exemplary in which enough funds would be provided for urban and rural development.
He said before budget session MPAs would also be given briefing to include their proposals and suggestions.
The parliamentary party meeting was attended, among others, by Pir Sadruddin Shah Rashdi, Syed Sardar Ahmad, Nadir Akmal Leghari and Nuzhat Pathan. The PPP Parliamentary Party also met on Thursday with Leader of the Opposition, Nisar Ahmad Khuhro, in the chair where they worked out their strategy.
Mr Khuhro, taking notice of summoning of the session on Friday, said the government had mode it a practice to hold the session on Friday which means “buying two days without any work.”
The MMA parliamentary group which had submitted a motion opposing increase in salaries and allowances of MPAs would also attempt to bring the issue for discussion. But, being Friday it is likely that most of the issues, which opposition benches would like to raise may not be taken up as the House would have to be adjourned by 12 noon.
