Islamabad: The recent surge of violence in Karachi,Wednesday dominated the proceedings of the joint parliamentary sitting, supposedly convened to deliberate on the recommendations prepared by the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS).
Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N), Awami National Party (ANP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) lamented over the killings their activists in recent days while the government held activation of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) behind conditions in Karachi and tended to disclose facts in in-camera briefing.
The joint parliamentary sitting, on third consecutive day of its proceedings could not turn up agenda for which both the Houses of the Parliament had been summoned to meet jointly due to reservations expressed by opposition parties, however, government remained victorious in convincing MQM to call off boycott of the House and brought it back to participate in the proceedings.
None from opposition benches expressed in any interest to give vent to their sentiments on PCNS recommendations, the lone agenda item of the joint session, however, while speaking on point of order PML-N member of the upper house Mushahidullah Khan alleged MQM activist for shooting his (PML-N) party worker in Karachi.
The PML-N MNA, Khawaja Saad Rafique demanded deweaponization of Karachi, saying that conditions in Karachi could not be normalized merely by dint of arresting people. He also expressed sorrow over the killing of MQM activist.
Responding to PML-N lawmakers’ observations, MQM deputy parliamentary leader in the National Assembly Haider Abbas Rizvi observed that immediate action should be taken any of MQM activists if found involved in the killing of PML-N worker in Karachi. He also said that his party fully condemned the murder of PML-N activist.
The ANP Senators, Afrasiab Khattak and Haji Muhammad Adeel expressed grave concerns over deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi saying the economic hub of Pakistan was being turned into battlefield.
They also were of the viewpoint that Karachi belonged to all the communities so all the stakeholders should acknowledge mandate of each other. Both were vocal in their stance that burning situation in Karachi could not be improved merely through verbal claims so all concerned forcers should look forward for a political solution of the situation.
On the other side, the government held activation of TTP behind the Karachi mayhem as the Interior Minister Rehman Malik offered the House to disclose the facts in this regard in an in-camera briefing. He added that Rangers arrested 37 people over their involvement in violence including two MQM activists.
He said that illegal weapon in bulk quantities was being smuggled in the country from neighbouring countries so country wide operation against illegal weapons and arms should be carried to deweaponize the homeland. He said that Maulana Ahmad Ludhyanvi was arrested for violating law but he was released by court.
He informed the House that threats posed to parliamentarians were being traced out as an inquiry committee headed by DIG Police was investigating the matter and he would present inquiry report before the House as soon as he would get it. Malik also urged PML-N to join committee constituted over the situation in Karachi to bring peace and tranquility there. Online
