MPs’ absence mars PA proceedings again

House passes JI resolution demanding universities at district level

LAHORE

The proceedings of Punjab Assembly were again marred on Tuesday due to the absence of large number of MPAs whose majority was facing suspension of their membership by the election commission for not filing their tax returns and assets details.

The House could not take up any official business in a brief 45 minutes proceedings which were adjourned by Deputy Speaker Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani as hardly 50 to 60 members attended the House.

The House; however, unanimously passed a resolution by Jamaat-e-Islami parliamentary leader Dr Waseem Akhtar demanding the federal government to establish universities at district level in the entire province. On a private members day, the resolution in the public interests by the JI MPA stressed that the measure would help to promote higher education in the province.

Another resolution by Ahmad Khan Bhacchar demanding a ban on unsafe sale of LPG by decanting in every street in the province to prevent loss of life and properties was deferred for the next proceedings.

Three other resolutions of public interests by opposition members Amir Sultan Cheema, Gulnar Shahzadi and Malik Taimoor Saud were also deferred because the movers were not present in the House.

The chair also deferred two separate adjournment motions by Sardar Shahab-ud-Din and Faiza Malik drawing attention towards the fact that no action had been taken against those key officials of Cooperative Department involved in fraud and embezzlement of billions of rupees of public exchequer.

During the question hour, the House was told that Additional Advocate General Mustafa Ramday Advocate was given temporary charge of Advocate General Punjab since the seat had laid vacant for quite some time. Parliamentary Secretary on Law and Parliamentary Affairs Nazar Muhammad Gondal while replying to a question by Ahsan Riaz Fatiana told the House that Mustafa Ramday had not taken any extra remuneration for those temporary services.

He also informed the House that Additional Advocate General was not provided any security by the government but he was provided the services of an assistant to assist him in his official duties.