KARACHI, Nov 7: The debate on Bajaur bombing could not be held in the City Council session on Tuesday due to lack of quorum, and the issue will now be discussed on Wednesday when the house meets again.
As the house resumed proceedings, Opposition member and leader of Al Khidmat Group Rafiq Ahmed drew the attention of the chair towards a resolution on the Bajaur situation which was tabled by the Opposition on Oct 31 when the house held its first meeting of the session. Naib Nazim Nasreen Jaleel presided over the session.
Condemning the bombing of the seminary in Bajaur, claiming lives of 80 innocent people, including teachers and students, the resolution demanded of the government to order an inquiry into the tragic incident.
Initiating debate on Tuesday, Al Khidmat leader Rafiq Ahmed termed the Bajaur issue very important and recalled that the issue was raised at the outset of the current session, but it could not be debated.
However, treasury member Abdul Jalil opposed it, saying it was federal issue and the government had already called the National Assembly session on the Bajaur situation on Nov 10. Therefore, it was not advisable to debate the issue at this stage.
Awam Dost Group leaders Saeed Ghani and Sheikh Mehbubur Rahman insisted on taking up the issue seriously as it was a was a source of concern for every citizen.
The session was in progress hardly for 15 minutes when treasury member Mirza Afaq Beg pointed out to the convenor about the lack of quorum. On this, the convenor put off the session for 10 minutes.
It was surprising to note that when the house resumed its session, the house looked deserted as there was marked absence of both treasury and Opposition members and presiding officer, Ahsan Siddiqui, announced that the session was being postponed for Wednesday.
Talking to newsmen Opposition leader Rafiq Ahmed held the US and its allies responsible for the tragic incident. He criticized the present rulers for protecting the interests of the imperialist forces and compromising the national interests to perpetuate their rule.
The Opposition leader said: “We will not allow the treasury to run away and we will take up the issue on Wednesday again.”
He said that it was the responsibility of the treasury to meet the requirements of the quorum.
Later, Niab Nazim Nasreen told newsmen that members on the both side of the divide would be allowed to express their views on Bajaur issue. However, she made it clear that it was her discretion to table the resolution or not.
