PML-N, MQM trade barbs in NA | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

PML-N, MQM trade barbs in NA

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement indulged in a nasty blame game in the National Assembly on Tuesday as the two parties accused each other of point-scoring in the wake of fragile law and order situation.

Legislators of both parties erupted in a cacophony after PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal said that MQM`s “London-based leader” was a foreign national, but was talking of military coup in Pakistan.

“Let me know which country`s uniform your leader will put on,” Mr Iqbal said, recalling a statement of Altaf Hussain in which he had said he would land in Pakistan in uniform.

The PML-N leader alleged that the MQM was propped up and pampered by military dictators Ziaul Haq and Pervez Musharraf.

He said that MQM`s call for martial law was tantamount to treason under the Constitution.

Legislators from both parties rose from their seats and exchanged harsh words, prompting the deputy speaker to hastily adjourn the session.

Speaking on a point of order, Syed Asif Hussain of the MQM accused the PML-N of capitalising on the situation in Karachi and asked the party to put its own house in order before maligning others.

The MNA quoting various incidents of law and order in Punjab, particularly firing on a passenger van in Hafizabad and killing of two young brothers in Sialkot, urged the PML-N to pay heed to growing maladministration in the province.

He said the PML-N had no interest in Karachi except to settle score with the MQM.

MNA Tehmina Daultana said the city of Karachi and Balochistan were on fire and there was need for making some decisions to improve the situation.

She raised objections over mining of Balochistan`s natural resources by foreign companies, arguing if Pakistan could make its atomic bomb; it could surely mine its gold.

MNA Kishanchand Parwani expressed concern over increasing incidents of kidnapping of minorities in Sindh and Balochistan.

He complained the issue was not being given serious consideration by the authorities, adding even the life of the minorities minister was at risk.

MNA Shaukatullah said India was sponsoring terrorism and other sabotage activities against Pakistan in Fata.“Indian hand is quite obvious in subversive acts.”

He sought a parliamentary committee to look into the affairs of Fata, which had not been given what it was promised.

MNA Akhundzada Chatan was unhappy over his labelling as `Fata MNA` in the media, saying there must not be any discrimination.

“MNA is as equal a member of parliament as all others, no matter which party or area he belongs to,” he said.

Mr Chatan said that Taliban occupied and destroyed up to 115 educational institutions in Bajaur tribal region which took a serious toll on already stressed state of education.

He called for reinitiating educational activities in tribal areas.
Source: Dawn
Date:1/26/2011