ISLAMABAD: Shehbaz Sharif, the opposition leader in the National Assembly (NA) of Pakistan, on Friday accused Speaker Asad Qaiser of “trampling” the constitution by delaying the tabling of a no-confidence motion filed against Prime Minister Imran Khan earlier this month.
Pakistan’s parliament was to start proceedings today, Friday, into a no-confidence motion filed by a joint opposition on March 8. However, Speaker Qaiser adjourned the session without taking up the no-trust motion after prayers were offered for a lawmaker who had passed away recently. The next session is now scheduled for Monday, March 28.
As per parliamentary tradition, in the event of the death of a lawmaker, the session is adjourned after offering prayers for the deceased on the first session held after the death. Ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) legislator Khayal Zaman Orakzai passed away last month from liver disease.
The opposition leader accused the NA speaker of violating the constitution, saying such “partisan behavior” didn’t suit him.
“NA Speaker continues to trample upon constitutional provisions. This partisan behavior does not suit the custodian of the House,” Sharif said on Twitter.
“Adjournment of NA session is part of desperate efforts to disrupt no-confidence process. U cannot stop the inevitable through such underhand tactics!”
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who heads the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), said Speaker Qaiser provided another weak “excuse” to avoid tabling no-confidence motion in the National Assembly.
“Imran can’t run forever. PM has no sportsman sprit and cannot face defeat with grace,” Bilawal said on Twitter. “The once great Kaptaan will go down.”
Earlier, a tweet on the National Assembly’s account confirmed adjournment of the session, saying the House would meet again at 4pm on Monday.
The opposition all together commands 163 seats in the national assembly but could build a majority if lawmakers defecting from Khan’s ruling party were to join its ranks in the no-confidence vote.
Khan has filed a court petition seeking a lifetime ban on the defectors while also appealing to them to return to the ruling party. He has also called on the public to show support for his premiership by holding a “million-man” rally in Islamabad on Sunday.
Planning Minister Asad Umar claimed the opposition did not have the required numbers to oust PM Khan in Friday’s brief session of the assembly.
“The opposition seems to be in a state of worry. Today as well, they could not achieve the numbers they tried to,” he told reporters as he visited Islamabad’s Parade Ground — the venue of the government’s rally.
“Their numbers were not complete today.”
Opposition accuses National Assembly speaker of ‘trampling’ constitution by delaying no-trust proceedings
https://arab.news/y68ur
Opposition accuses National Assembly speaker of ‘trampling’ constitution by delaying no-trust proceedings
- National assembly session adjourned today without taking up no-trust motion against PM
- Parliament was to start proceedings on Friday into a no-confidence motion filed on March 8
Pakistan, ADB sign $730 loan agreements to boost SOE reforms, energy infrastructure
- Both sign $330 million Power Transmission Strengthening Project and $400 million SOE Transformation Program loan agreements
- Economic Affairs Division official says Transmission Project will secure Pakistan’s energy future by strengthening national grid’s backbone
KARACHI: Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday signed two loan agreements totaling $730 million to boost reforms in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and energy infrastructure in the country, the bank said.
The first of the two agreements pertains to the SOE Transformation Program worth $400 million while the second loan, worth $330 million, is for a Power Transmission Strengthening Project, the lender said.
The agreements were signed by ADB Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan and Pakistan’s Secretary of Economic Affairs Division Humair Karim.
“The agreements demonstrate ADB’s enduring commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Pakistan,” the ADB said.
Pakistan’s SOEs have incurred losses worth billions of dollars over the years due to financial mismanagement and corruption. These entities, including the country’s national airline Pakistan International Airlines, which was sold to a private group this week, have relied on subsequent government bailouts over the years to operate.
The ADB approved the $400 million loan for SOE reforms on Dec. 12. It said the program seeks to improve governance and optimize the performance of Pakistan’s commercial SOEs.
Karim highlighted that the Power Transmission Strengthening Project will enable reliable evacuation of 2,300 MW from Pakistan’s upcoming hydropower projects, relieve overloading of existing transmission lines and enhance resilience under contingency conditions, the Press Information Department (PID) said.
“The Secretary emphasized that both initiatives are transformative in nature as the Transmission Project will secure Pakistan’s energy future by strengthening the backbone of the national grid whereas the SOE Program will enhance transparency, efficiency and sustainability of state-owned enterprises nationwide,” the PID said.
The ADB has supported reforms by Pakistan to strengthen its public finance and social protection systems. It has also undertaken programs in the country to help with post-flood reconstruction, improve food security and social and human capital.
To date, ADB says it has committed 764 public sector loans, grants and technical assistance totaling $43.4 billion to Pakistan.
