Govt should understand corps commanders’ hint, says Khursheed

ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah has remarked that Tuesday’s corps commanders conference had sought “better governance” and the government should understand this “important hint”.
Taking part in the National Assembly proceedings on Wednesday, Khursheed criticised the federal government, saying that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif did not push his ministers for an improvement in governance despite the army chief’s directions. “They wanted the government to improve its performance,” he said.
He accused the government of not taking parliament seriously despite its election two and a half years back, adding that democratic institutions should work.
“How can the ministers attend sessions if the prime minister himself stops coming to the House,” he asked.
The statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), stressing the need of “matching and complimentary governance initiatives” to supplement the military operation against terrorists after the corps commanders meeting gathered a mixed reaction by the members of the National Assembly.
According to the ISPR, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, in an address, had acknowledged the nation’s support in the ongoing operations to eliminate terrorism. But the army chief also underlined the need for matching/ complimentary governance initiatives for long-term gains of operation and enduring peace across the country.
As a government ally, Mehmood Khan Achakzai termed the statement against the spirit of democracy, the opposition members observed the government needed to improve its governance and make effective implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP).
Achakzai said that they had already stated that they would extend their support only when the two Sharifs were on the same page. “The two Sharifs will be on the same page when there is supremacy of the Constitution,” he said, adding the Supreme Court should be asked to take notice.
Mehmood Khan Achakzai said if there was anything wrong in relations between the two Sharifs, then they would support the civilian Sharif. He said that he would not support any foreign policy which was not made in parliament.
Talking about the absence of ministers from the House, Achakzai said he would be the first person to point out lack of quorum if ministers did not turn in the next session.
Shafqat Mehmood of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said the statement issued by the ISPR quoting the chief of the army staff, should be a matter of concern for the PML-N. “They are saying that the government should improve its governance and effectively implement the National Action Plan.”
He said the government should also give a detailed briefing to the House on the progress made so far with regard to the implementation of the NAP.As the opposition leader pointed out that the ministers were not present in the House during the Question-Hour, the Speaker suspended proceedings for 10 minutes.On the last day of the session on Wednesday, the opposition also submitted a call-attention notice over the lack of quorum and absence of ministers from the assembly.