ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly began its winter session here this evening [Nov 26] with Opposition members present in almost full force following a decision by their Parliamentary Party … to end the boycott of the Assembly which started during the last session in September. Restoring the usual colour and noise to the proceedings, Opposition members made their presence felt … by introducing a privilege motion on alleged danger to Chaudhry Zahur Ilahi’s life … while in detention… . …

Earlier, during the Question Hour, some heat was generated when in a supplementary on recent direct appointments in the Foreign Service … Mr. Ahmad Raza Qasuri remarked that several persons related to Ministers or connected with them had been recruited. The question was disallowed but he went on speaking. … The adjournment motion on alleged infringement of freedom of the Press was moved by Jamaat Islami’s Mahmud Azam Faruqi on the ground that the … Government had instructed the national Press not to publish a statement made by Baluchistan Governor, Mr Akbar Khan Bugti… . … He said it was a serious infringement of fundamental rights.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2023