Plan To Lockdown Capital; PTI's Illegal Move: Senators

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 04th Nov, 2016 ) : Senate on Friday witnessed diverse opinion on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)'s plan to lockdown the capital was an illegal move as it could serve no purpose to other opposition parties demand for having an effective accountability law.

Senators from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Awami National Party (ANP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) criticized Imran Khan for non-serious decisions and exploiting the emotions of innocent people instead of utilizing the appropriate forum of the parliament.

Speaking on a motion moved by Senators Sherry Rehman, Rehman Malik, Farhatullah Babar Sassui Palijo and others, Senator Shahi Syed, Barrister Saif, Usman Kakar, Sitara Ayaz, Mian Atiq and others criticized Imran Khan for disrupting the routine life and inviting people from one province to lockdown the capital.

The members said Imran Khan forgot the sacrifices of the people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Indian Occupied Kashmir as he blindly pursued his desire to become the ruler. Although the members also advocated the right of people to peaceful protest yet they were astonished why the armed groups from a province were invited by Imran Khan.

Senators from PTI spoke against the government action defending the decisions of their party leaders no matter if members from other parties collectively negated the decision of taking to streets for violent protests.

Taj Haider said peaceful protest was the right of every citizen but it should not violate the rights of other citizens as well. He said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had always rendered sacrifices for the sake of democracy and also strengthened the parliament which would be remembered in the history.

He said due to reconciliation policies of the PPP, "We have passed 18th amendment and National Finance Commission (NFC) award after 17 years." Senator Usman Kakar said some elements wanted to come in to power through back-door adding that only vote can change the government.

He said Parliament was the only solution of all problems and there should be a proper legislation for elimination of corruption from the country. He said closing down the Federal capital was sheer violation of the Constitution as the Constitution gives permission for peaceful protests.

Senator Siraj ul Haq said the Panama papers matter was in the superior court of the country and hoped that the court will follow merit in that regard. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Senator Lt. Gen (R) Abdul Qayyum said that we all want a prosperous Pakistan at every cost and every one should contribute in that regard.

He said the government was addressing all the challenges being faced by the country including terrorism, energy crisis and moving towards economic revival. Abdul Qayyum called for unity to address all the issues being faced by the country.

Senator Jahanzeb Jamal Dani said crackdown and violence against the political workers was not acceptable. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) legislator Saeed Ghani said that PPP has urged chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan not to think about any lockdown to federal capital in future.

Awami National Party (ANP) Senator Shahi Syed said that PTI chief should avoid derogatory language against political leaders and not call anybody other than their Names. He said that country was facing two big challenges including terrorism and corruption which would be addressed as soon as possible for a prosperous Pakistan.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Chaudhry Tanveer said the parliament should enact laws to eliminate corruption from the country on permanent basis. Javed Abbasi said "It was the right of everybody in a democratic government to protest but it should not affect others rights." The senators including Mohsin Leghari, Mian Attique, Moshin Aziz, Kamil Ali Agha and Kalsoon Parveen also participated in the debate.