Assembly echoes with slogans against NRO

[Naveed Yaseen]

* PML-N, PML-Q stage combined walkout for first time in present parliament
* Nisar Ali Khan challenges legality, composition of standing committee that approved NRO

By Irfan Ghauri



ISLAMABAD: The first day of the new session of the National Assembly witnessed uproar and slogans against the controversial National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) on Monday.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) staged a combined walkout for the first time in the present parliament.

The proposed legislation was not on the House agenda for the day, but Leader of Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and PML-Q leader Pervaiz Elahi raised the issue on points of order, pledging that they would not allow a “black law” to be passed by parliament. After an exchange of harsh words between members of treasury and the opposition, the PML-N announced that it would hold a protest demonstration against the NRO in front of parliament today (Tuesday).

Nisar challenges: Nisar challenged the legality and composition of the standing committee on law and justice that approved the bill for legislation last week, saying that despite protest from opposition parties, the government went ahead with approving the legislation, using its numerical strength in the committee.

He alleged that his party was not given its proportional representation in the committee, while the speaker added an independent member and a minister to the committee to augment the government’s strength, which he said was against parliamentary norms.

Chaudhry Nisar demanded the committee should be reconstituted and the proposed legislation should be reviewed, warning that if passed, the controversial law would deal a severe blow to the democratic system.

“We would not let it be passed. The government wants to use parliament as a rubber stamp to absolve thousands of cases... some of which are very serious in nature. The courts are independent and these cases should be decided in court instead of getting indemnity through a back law introduced by a military dictator in connivance with some foreign powers,” Nisar said.

He reiterated the PML-N’s party’s stance that they would not become a “tool” for any undemocratic force, warning that “the government should also show political acumen”.

Prestige: Elahi of the PML-Q said if passed, the proposed legislation would not only undermine the prestige of parliament, but would also give a bad name to the country in the international community.

“We will oppose this black law. It would have a far-reaching impact on society. The government should make public the names of beneficiaries of the NRO,” Elahi said.

Khurshid Shah and a few other ministers wanted to respond but the opposition staged a walkout, saying that they would announce a future strategy later.

None of the allied parties, except the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) supported the PPP and its leadership.

Rehmatullah Kakar of the JUI-F said his party would stand by the PPP in future.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...2009_pg1_4