KARACHI, June 23: The opposition in the Sindh Assembly has submitted a privilege motion against Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim for his objectionable remarks against women legislators belonging to the People’s Party Parliamentarians.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Leader of the Opposition Nisar Khuhro said that over 11 women MPAs, including Shazia Marri, Shamimara Panhwar, Shama Mithani, Saira Shahilyani, Kulsoom Nizamani, Nasreen Chandio, Sharfunisa Leghari and Humera Alvani, had submitted the motion to the assembly secretariat.

Mr Khuhro said there was nothing in the rule book to suggest that a privilege motion could not be taken up during budget session. He expressed the hope that the speaker would take up the privilege motion.

He said that according to the motion the chief minister accused women members of the assembly, especially those belonging to the PPP, of unbecoming conduct. He said the chief minister had also observed that late Atta Mohammad Marri must be turning in his grave because his daughter Shazia Marri was a member of the PPP. Dr Rahim was also quoted as having said that Ms Marri should conduct herself in such a manner that nobody dared be fresh with her.

Mr Khuhro defended the opposition’s stand on the speaker’s ruling on suspension of four PPP legislators for beating up MPA Ishwar Lal. He said they were justified in attending the assembly’s session because the speaker’s ruling was against the rules.

He criticised the speaker for adjourning the house on Wednesday and Thursday.

He asked the speaker to take action against the deputy speaker because she was not a graduate.