Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday called for summoning a session of the National Assembly, saying that it is unfortunate that the government has failed to ensure that the parliament remains functional during the ongoing health crisis.
During a video link meeting of parliamentary leaders chaired by Federal Minister Fakhar Imam, Bilawal said his party is willing to work with the National Assembly speaker’s office, adding that the custodian of the House along with the government should, in turn, ensure the health and safety of lawmakers and assembly staff. He said debates could be shortened but there should be no compromise on voting rights.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the government believes in supremacy of parliament and values the proposals received from parliamentary leaders on the mode of convening the session of the National Assembly.
Talking to media persons after attending the second meeting of National Assembly’s Special Committee on Virtual Session held here at the Parliament House, Qureshi emphasized on rising above the political affiliations to ensure the sanctity of the parliament. He said world over, the parliamentary business continues even in the time of crisis. He said all political parties gave positive input and presented a number of good suggestions on mechanics of holding the session, which are being forwarded to the National Assembly speaker. He expressed confidence that a consensus will be developed on the issue.
The foreign minister said proposal of ‘proportional representation’ by Pakistan People Party’s Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is quite significant while ensuring safety of the members of parliament. Also, the proposal by Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on closing all galleries except the press gallery during the session is another good idea, he said, adding that presence of parliamentarians from Sindh and Balochistan in the session can be difficult, for which he stressed putting in place alternative arrangements.
