The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Monday staged a protest on Sindh Assembly premises after the deputy speaker denied the party permission to move a calling-attention notice on behalf of opposition leader Khawaja Izharul Hassan.
Shehla Raza, who was in the chair, told the protesting MQM lawmakers that the notice could be presented only by the opposition leader and not by anyone on his behalf. Upon this, the protesters tore copies of the session’s agenda and gathered in front of the deputy speaker’s dais.
MQM lawmakers also staged a token walkout from the assembly against the arrest of party’s deputy convener Shahid Pasha.
Meanwhile, Senior Minister Nisar Khuhro moved a bill pertaining to restoration of the Karachi Development Authority (KDA). The House approved the bill but turned down the MQM-proposed amendment. The MQM had proposed that names of the potential candidates for the slot of the KDA chief were suggested to the mayor. Reportedly, the KDA governing body will be comprised of nine members. The KDA was established in 1957 and dissolved in 2002. The Sindh Building Control Authority had replaced the development department.
The assembly meanwhile approved the Sindh Factories Bill, 2015, in the absence of MQM lawmakers. Khuhro moved another bill regarding employment conditions which was approved with a majority vote.
Speaking on a point of order, Pakistan Muslim League-Functional legislator Nand Kumar, while taking about the forthcoming Holi festival, said the minorities should be given salaries in advance. Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani informally asked the representative whether he would invite the members on the festival.