PESHAWAR, Sept 23: Going against the wishes of the provincial government, NWFP Assembly Deputy Speaker Ikramullah Shahid has decided to convene the provincial assembly session within 24 hours to complete the agenda furnished by the opposition.

Speaker Bakhat Jehan Khan, who has gone abroad, suspended the proceedings of the house for 15 days allegedly to protect the government from any problems during his absence. Mr Khan told newsmen on Sept 20 that he had consulted with Mr Shahid on the issue.

The deputy speaker, who presided over the session in the absence of the speaker a few days ago, gave a tough time to the treasury benches on certain issues raised by the opposition.

Mr Shahid of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (Sami) also leads a 12-member Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal rebel group, which is unhappy with the government's development policies. About the session, Mr Shahid said he was fulfilling a requirement.