 |
| |
WEEKLY
SECTIONS |
 |
|
 |
| Fear of terrorists pushes MPAs to seek prorogation |
|
|
|
Thursday, October 22, 2009
By Tahir Hasan Khan
Karachi
Fear of terrorist activity was the main cause of proroguing the Sindh Assembly session on Wednesday. The decision was reportedly taken after members from the treasury and the opposition told the Speaker and their parties’ parliamentary leaders that they could not perform in the House with terrorist threats looming in the background.
Sources close to the ministers and members claimed that they had formally requested Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and Sindh Assembly Speaker Nisar Khuhro to prorogue the session, on account of pressure from their families not to attend Assembly sessions because of threats to their lives.
The session was convened last week to pass some legislation and to complete the days required for the calendar year of the Assembly.
After receiving serious threats of terrorist attacks, however, the government took strict security measures and more policemen were deployed in and around the Assembly building. The Assembly administration also cancelled all passes issued for guests and galleries, and only journalists were allowed to cover the sessions after strict security clearance.
Members pointed out that the government, the Army and law-enforcement agencies had even closed down educational institutions due to security threats.
Later, the civil administration also closed down educational institutions as a precaution.
A minister from the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), who did not want to disclose his name, shared his apprehensions with The News, and said that he had also advised the CM and the Speaker to prorogue the session for the time being.
Another minister, from a coalition partner in the Sindh government, pointed out the lack of security, and expressed distrust over the “performance of the police”.
He said that it was in the interest of the government and the elected representatives to prorogue the Sindh Assembly session.
|
|
|
| Back
| Send
this story to Friend | Print
Version |
|
|
|
ISSN 1563-9479 
