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KARACHI, Sept 5: The Sindh Assembly on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the indiscriminate killing of 20 people in an attack by the US-led coalition forces in South Waziristan.
The assembly described Wednesday’s pre-dawn helicopter-borne raid as an unacceptable attack on the country’s sovereignty and asked the Sindh government to approach the federal government in order to ensure that all out measures are taken to prevent any such attack in the future.
The resolution, which was moved by Law Minister Ayaz Soomro, reads: “This assembly expresses its deep outrage and condemnation over the indiscriminate killing of 20 people, including four minors, in an attack by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in South Waziristan agency, recognises the incident as an unacceptable attack on Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and strongly recommends that the government approach the federal government to take measures in order to ensure that all out measures are taken so that any and all such attacks are prevented in the future.”
Another resolution, which was moved verbally by Senior Minister Pir Mazharul Haq under Rule 211 after relaxation of relevant rules, condemned the “cowardly attack” on the motorcade of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani by unknown terrorists. The resolution demanded arrest of culprits.
Both the resolutions, moved out of turn under Rule 211, were adopted without any discussion.
After adoption of two resolutions unanimously, the session, which was called to order two hours behind the schedule at 11am by Speaker Nisar Ahmad Khuhro, was prorogued sine die by Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad.
The speaker read out the governor’s order at 1.35pm and announced his order for summoning a special session of the assembly on Saturday at 10am for casting of votes in the presidential election, which will stand prorogued after closing time of polling at 3pm.
The speaker also announced that the governor had given his assent to The Sindh Land Revenue (Amendment) Bill, 2008.
Another motion moved by Law Minister Ayaz Soomro under Rule 211 was about the increase in number of standing committees from 14 to 30.
Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, who was present in the House, listened to the discussion on standing committees and suggestions to empower the committees. At the close of the discussion when the chief minister rose to speak he was welcomed by thumping of the desk. Mr Shah briefly highlighted the importance of assemblies in a democratic setup and the role of standing committees. Saying that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, he said that since the country’s inception for over 30 years power had been grabbed through the barrel of the gun.
Instead of talking about empowerment of committees he suggested that functions be given to the committees and prosperity be brought to the people of Sindh.
Earlier speaking in support of the motion, Syed Sardar Ahmad of the Muttahida Quami Movement said that since 1975 the number of committees remained constant though the number of departments had been increased over the years.
Dispelling an impression that the committees would be autonomous, he said the committees entrusted with the issues would make their recommendations to the House for approval.
The law minister, who moved the motion, said that the population increased over the years and likewise the strength of MPAs and their workload also increased for which the number of committees was being increased.
In the next session, he said, committees would be formed and elections would be held.
Those who participated in the discussion on the motion were Haji Munawwar Abbasi, Shazia Marri, Shoaib Bokhari, Pir Mazharul Haq, Rafique Engineer, Syed Murad Ali Shah, Abid Jatoi, Marvi Rashdi, Rana Abdul Sattar, Shahryar Maher and Razzaq Rahimoo.
Points of order
Raza Haroon of the Muttahida Quami Movement said that because of load-shedding in Karachi water supply was badly affected.
Rauf Siddiqui suggested that speaker should pay another visit to the KESC as after his previous visit there was some improvement in the power supply situation.
Speaker Nisar Khuhro said that KESC had given the assurance that the situation would improve by Sept 5. He expressed hope that the assurance given by the power utility was for Sept 5, 2008 and not 2009.
Rana Abdul Sattar said that in the world market oil prices had come down from 147 dollars a barrel to 105 dollars a barrel but here in Pakistan petroleum products prices had not been reduced. He suggested that if the government did not like to pass on the benefit to the people it should at least give a subsidy on food items.
Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza, in response to the point of order raised by Humaira Alwani about a karo kari case, assured the House that the government would take prompt steps for recovery of girls and take action against those found involved in handing over Shanila, Anila and Taslima as compensation in a Karo Kari case in district Naushero Feroze.
Marvi Rashdi alleged that in Taluka Kunri some members of the minorities were involved in blasphemy.
The home minister said that a minority leader had contacted him some time back and had informed him that such a scheme was planned against them to bring bad name to them. He said a similar issue was reported in Badin and the government was taking necessary measures to curb the menace.
Sassui Palejo said the Pakistan People’s Party, which was working to introduce bills in the national assembly to give right to women to contract marriage with the person of her choice and quota for women, was not against quota for women in government jobs. Shazia Marri said that the government was working for women’s empowerment to bring them in the mainstream. She made it clear that she was not opposed to fixing quota in government jobs but it should not be made mandatory as it would go against their interest.
Jam Tamachi Unnar suggested that amenity plots in rural areas, which were being misused, should be converted into playgrounds and graveyards.
Saleem Khurshid Khokhar said that some agencies were harassing fishermen. Fisheries Minister Zahid Bhurgari said a meeting was held in Karachi with the officials of agencies concerned and representatives of fishermen and the issue was resolved and to redress such complaints a one window facility had started working at Karachi harbour.
Agha Siraj Durrani, on a point of order, said that PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari would be elected as President of Pakistan tomorrow. To celebrate this victory, he said a fireworks show was being arranged in front of the Bilawal House.
