The upcoming session of the National Assembly (NA) on September 12 is likely to witness a heated debate on deteriorating law and order in the country, a topic that may also encompass the explosive diatribe made by Dr Zulfiqar Mirza against the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Sunday.
The president has summoned the NA session for September 12 at 5pm, in exercise of powers conferred by Clause (1) of Article 54 of the constitution. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) submitted a requisition to the NA Secretariat for a session on September 12.
As the PML-N wants to discuss the growing targeted killings and deteriorating law and order in Karachi, the House is likely to witness a heated debate on the issue, which may also encompass startling allegations recently made by Dr Mirza.
On Sunday, Dr Mirza delivered an explosive diatribe against the MQM and Malik at a press conference in Karachi. He called Malik “a liar by birth” and accused of being in league with assassins and criminals. He also accused MQM chief Altaf Hussain of being part of an American plot to break up Pakistan and wanting the UK to help disband the Inter-Services Intelligence.
Ninety-three members of the PML-N signed the requisition, filed under Article 54 (3) of the constitution. Upon receiving the requisition notice, the speaker is bound to call the House into session within 14 days. The requisition was filed by PML-N legislators including Dr Fazal Chaudhry, Malik Ibrar, Anjum Aqeel and Shakeel Awan. The PML-N members stated in the requisition that all political parties of the country and the people were concerned over the worsening law and order in Karachi. Innocent citizens were being killed, therefore an NA session should be summoned to hold a debate over the issue, they stated.
JUDICIAL COMMISSION: NA Opposition Leader Nisar Ali Khan demanded the formation of a judicial commission headed by a judge of the Supreme Court to investigate the allegations made by the former provincial minister, and said the country’s security and intelligence agencies should explain their reports on the Karachi situation to Parliament.
In a statement, Nisar said the serious allegations made by Dr Mirza had exposed the government in front of the nation, adding that Mirza’s “charge sheet” was not only against the MQM alone, but the government itself as well.
He said Mirza’s allegations were not a political statement; rather, placing the Holy Quran on his head, Mirza had brought various facts before the nation which would have a far-reaching impact that could not be ignored.
Nisar demanded further that the NA session should immediately be convened after Eid to discuss the Karachi situation. “The government and its allies must explain and answer the charges leveled by Dr Mirza, which relate to the security and independence of the country,” he said, adding that the allegations triggered deep concerns across the country. The opposition leader said it was unfortunate that the government had taken the country to a point where even the ruling class was fighting with each other for their vested interests. He said the inefficiency of the rulers had spoiled the political and democratic culture of the country and caused political instability.
Nisar said the government should now stop staging a drama and telling lies and tell the nation the facts regarding Mirza’s allegations.
