By Farid Sabri
The 7th session of the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) was held at the Pak-China Friendship Centre chaired by Deputy Mayor Riffat Javed here on Monday. The opposition of the MCI walked out in protest against the rude behaviour and remarks made by the Chief Metropolitan Officer (SMO) Suleyman Warraich.
The session was headed by Deputy Mayor Riffat Javed as the Mayor and Chairman CDA Sheikh Anser Aziz is abroad.
The walk-out from the floor of the house was pre-planned by the Opposition leader Ali Awan of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). According to him, the issues faced by the citizens have not been in MCI’s agenda since the establishment of MCI.
The MCI opposition also tore up papers during the session and recorded their protest.
“The CMO told us rudely that we cannot make a peon do his work,” said MCI opposition leader Ali Awan.
“Opposition leader came to my office and forced me to do illegal work, which is actually against the rules and by-laws,” said CMO Suleyman Warraich.
The CMO said that it is merely a rumour that the opposition leader came to his office and waited for hours to meet him. “Instead he came directly to my office without any waiting or obstacle and discussed the issues regarding the hiring of staff,” he said.
Ali alleged that the CMO told him that he needs education; however, the CMO rejects this allegation.
Ali asked the CMO to take his words back and apologise. He also asked the MCI Corporation to add the points recommended by the opposition. He complained that 6 points regarding public issues and hiring of staff which were recommended by them were ignored in the session.
Later on, the CMO gave a statement saying “If my words have hurt anyone then I apologise. All the members of MCI are respectful for me. The main issue is the approval of a budget for any development.”
During the session, many of PML (N) chairmen and MCI members showed their concerns about the sanitation issues, water issues, development programs and funding.
The 7th session was attended by the majority of opposition (PTI), and 65% of the PML (N) elected representatives.
