NA panel on overseas Pakistanis adjourns meeting in protest over secy’s absence

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development on Friday expressed strong displeasure over the absence of secretary of the ministry and adjourned the session in protest without taking up the agenda.

Syed Rafiullah chaired the committee meeting at the Parliament House to consider a scheduled briefing from the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF).

After welcoming members, Syed Rafiullah drew attention towards the absence of the secretary and the minister from the sitting.

The committee members expressed strong displeasure that the principal officials whose attendance had been expected were not present to respond to the committee’s questions.

Consequently, the chair and members agreed that substantive agenda items could not be properly addressed and adjourned the sitting.

The committee decided that outstanding agenda items will be rescheduled for a future date when full and timely attendance by responsible officials was assured.

Chairman Syed Rafiullah said: “The committee records its strong displeasure at the absence of officials whose presence is essential for parliamentary oversight and for the timely consideration of administrative and legislative business.”