Govt could move only one bill in joint session

PIA bill likely to be tabled today

ISLAMABAD: Out of seven bills on the agenda of joint sitting of Parliament on Monday, the government moved only one bill that was pertaining to gas theft punishment. 

The main agenda of the session was about the PIA bill which is likely to be presented by the government on Tuesday (today). The joint session of Parliament instead of taking up its agenda focused on General (R) Pervez Musharraf’s departure from the country.

The PPP and PTI lashed out at treasury benches on departure of Pervez Musharaf while the joint sitting was marred by token walkout of the MQM members as the Speaker National Assembly who was leading the joint session refused to allow MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar to speak on a point of  order. He wanted to highlight MQM grievances over the arrest and non-provision of party workers in the court. 

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah was countered by Minister for Interior Ch Nisar Ali Khan who not only defended government but also calmed down the opposition concerns due to his solid arguments. Leader of the House PM Nawaz Sharif during his one and a half hours stay in Parliament remained silent observer. When the joint session took interval due to Magrib prayer, PM Nawaz left the house while his nephew Hamza Shehbaz Sharif replaced him and engaged the party lawmakers. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar clarified PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi's claim as government had convened the joint session exclusively for legislation.

Earlier, before the commencement of the joint session, the PML-N top leadership directed party lawmakers to make sure their presence in the joint session. Following PM meeting with party MNAs a few days ago at the PM House, party lawmakers were motivated, mobilised, charged and overwhelmingly participated in the joint session.