The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is eyeing the chairmanship of the proposed Parliamentary Committee to oversee the implementation of all past resolutions passed in the parliament as well as the 13-point resolution of the All Parties Conference (APC) held on September 29, Pakistan Today learned on Sunday. With a view to grasp the slot, the PML-N will discuss the issue in its parliamentary meeting on Monday (today) and raise the matter in the National Assembly session to be held in the evening.
The Parliamentary Committee is believed to set a new direction for foreign policy, especially ties with the United States and to focus on peace and reconciliation. Considering the committee’s role and significance, the PML-N has started flexing its muscles to ride the committee as its head.
A senior leader of the party said, “The PML-N deserves to take helm of affairs because the party actually proposed the establishment of a high-profile committee in the 13-point unanimous resolution of the APC.” He said the performance of the PMLN-led Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was an example for others. PML-N Information Secretary Mushahidullah Khan said he considered PAC Chairman Chaudhry Nisar (a PML-N leader) the best option for the slot. PML-N Senator Pervaiz Rashid said his party demanded an early formation of the committee in order to start work quickly. “Although the PML-N is credited with the proposal to form committee, but so far it has not floated any overture to head it,” he said, adding, “We will meet on October 3 in Islamabad and weigh the issue to strategise our future line of action.” However, he warned that his party could consider all options available if the federal government tried to elude the nation on the issue.