KARACHI, Aug 29: The tragic killing of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti dominated the proceedings of the Sindh Assembly, which was prorogued denying the members from opposition benches an opportunity to raise the issue of Kohlu operation and to move a condolence resolution.

The house, which assembled in a requisitioned session 85 minutes behind its scheduled time of 9.30am, hardly witnessed 17-minute proceedings that included recitation from Holy Quran, and Naat followed by Fateha for Nawab Bugti and all others killed in Kohlu operation.

As soon as Deputy Speaker Rahila Tiwana announced to prorogue the house and treasury bench members hurried up to make an exit, opposition members feeling betrayed for not being allowed to discuss the Kohlu tragedy started shouting slogans of “Qatil, Qatil, Musharraf Qatil”.

After treasury benches left the house, over half-a-dozen members from the joint opposition started their own proceedings and delivered speeches in which they gave vent to their feelings and adopted three resolutions on the subject.

One of the resolutions moved by the leader of the opposition, Nisar Khuhro, mourned Nawab Bugti’s assassination, and recommended the Sindh government to approach Islamabad to stop military operation in Balochistan.

Earlier, Muttahida Qaumi Movement Parliamentary Party leader Muhammad Hussain was the first to be recognised by the chair, Deputy Speaker Rahila Tiwana, who referred to the Kohlu tragedy in which Nawab Akbar Bugti and others were killed. He asked for offering Fateha.

Leader of the opposition, Nisar Khuhro, getting the floor before mentioning the name of Nawab Bugti tried to recall his struggle for the rights of people of Balochistan. He was interrupted by the chair asking him to limit himself to the names. However, he succeeded to mention that the way Nawab Bugti and his companions were killed, not only need to offer Fateha but called for adopting a resolution as he was not only a patriot Pakistani but also former MNA, governor and chief minister.

His brief tribute was resented by Irfanullah Marwat, Iftikhar Chaudhry, Muhammad Hussain and a few others by pointing out that before speeches first Fateha should be offered. But, before Mr Khuhro could read out his resolution, the chair gave the floor to PML-Q MPA Naila Inam who mentioned the name of Cricketer Waseem Raja for offering Fateha.

After Naila Inam, the floor was given to Shamma Mithani of PPP, Ayaz Soomro of PPP, Nasrullah Shaji of MMA, Syed Qaim Ali Shah of PPP and Hameedullah of MMA. Mentioning the name of Nawab Bugti, they all recalled his struggle briefly despite some voice of resent from treasury side. They also called for handing over his body to the heirs for burial.

Mentioning the reported indisposition of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, Shamma Mithani asked the house to pray for his early recovery. The chair ruled that this matter should be taken up in the National Assembly.

Qaim Ali Shah drew attention of the chair towards the resolution mentioned by Nisar Khuhro and stressed the need for its adoption before offering Fateha. This was again objected by ministers Irfanullah Marwat and Iftikhar Chaudhry and pressed the chair first to offer Fateha.

The chair gave the floor to Hameedullah Khan, who was on his feet when leader of the opposition Khuhro started reading his resolution. But before he could finish, the chair cut the proceedings short by ignoring other members who wanted to speak and asked Maulana Sahib to offer Fateha.

This ruling of the chair was objected by members from opposition benches who were heard saying “shame on the deputy speaker”.

Soon after offering Fateha, the chair announced to take up questions and answers. But, Mr Khuhro asked the chair to allow him to speak as he wanted to move a resolution. But, he was asked to take his seat and Hameedullah Khan was requested to take up his question. Finding no response, the chair abruptly announced to prorogue the session at 11.12am and left the chair.

This sudden announcement provoked the opposition. Rising from their seats, they started chanting slogan.

Soon after the treasury members left the house, power supply to the assembly hall was switched off but the opposition members stayed for about 45 minutes and delivered speeches.