Opposition members on Wednesday demonstrated a walk-out in the National Assembly (NA) after FATA Reforms Bill 2017 was not presented in the session today again.
NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq expressed resentment towards Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) Secretariat for the delay in presentation of the bill. After that MNA concerned Abdul Qadir Baloch assured him that the draft was near completion and would be presented in Thursday’s session.
Ayaz, complaining that the secretariat has no regard for the parliament, demanded the minister take action against the secretary concerned or he would recommend presenting a privileged motion on behalf of the Senate.
Moreover, the speaker directed to continue the sessions until the bill is put forth. Reportedly, a supplementary agenda would be added after Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman’s agreement.
MNA belonging to FATA Shah Jee Gul Afridi, during the session, complained that the members were told that the bill was to be presented today.
It is pertinent to mention here that, earlier this month, opposition parties formed a parliamentary committee to hold talks with the PML-N-led government over the issue FATA reforms bill.
The committee was formed during a meeting between opposition leader in the National Assembly Syed Khurshid Shah and leaders of the opposition parties.
The committee comprises Aijaz Jakhrani, Farhatullah Babar, Sirajul Haq, Sahibzada Tariqullah, Mian Attique, Sheikh Salahuddin and Haji Shah Gull Afridi while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will nominate two members after consultation with Imran Khan.
