Kerfuffle in NA after Omar denied floor

ISLAMABAD:

The National Assembly witnessed on Monday a heated exchange between the government and opposition as PTI lawmakers staged a protest and walked out after the opposition leader was denied the floor before the question hour began.

The session, chaired by NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, began with routine proceedings, including the announcement of the panel of chairpersons.

However, chaos erupted when NA Leader of Opposition Omar Ayub was refused permission to speak, prompting PTI lawmakers to raise slogans and thump the desks before walking out in protest.

An opposition member later pointed out a lack of quorum, but a headcount confirmed that the government had the required numbers and the session could continue.

As the session started sans opposition members, lawmakers discussed several issues, including the Indus Waters Treaty, with the government revealing that India has been pressing for modifications in the 65-year-old agreement, ignoring Pakistan’s repeated diplomatic efforts.

Concerns were also raised over declining water levels in major reservoirs, with official figures indicating critically low storage at Tarbela, Mangla, and Chashma dams.

On the Indus Waters Treaty, Parliamentary Secretary for Water Resources Rana Ansar revealed that India is pressing for modifications to the agreement.

PPP lawmaker Nafisa Shah asked as to what has been Pakistan’s stance. Ansar responded that Islamabad has been engaged in correspondence with New Delhi since March 2023 but has received no response.

Meanwhile, the speaker expressed displeasure at the Ministry of Water Resources for failing to provide answers to parliamentary queries.

The speaker demanded a written explanation from the concerned officials and summoned the secretary for water resources after PPP leader Naveed Qamar insisted that the minister should have been present in the house to answer queries.

In the session, JUI-F leader Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri asked about the status of Gwadar Port. Parliamentary Secretary Dr Darshan replied that the port is fully operational.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health submitted a written response, revealing that 74,619 HIV cases have been registered across the country. It said there are currently 94 Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centers nationwide for treatment of HIV.

PPP lawmaker Sharmila Faruqi raised concerns over Sindh’s long-standing water shortages, particularly in Badin, Thatta, and Tharparkar.

She questioned claims that Punjab would allocate its share for the Cholistan Canal Project, stating that Sindh already receives less than its due share of water, affecting agriculture in the province.

Faruqi cited reports indicating a 40% decrease in rainfall from July to December, further exacerbating the crisis. She urged the government to convene a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) to address the distribution of water resources among provinces.

At the outset, the speaker announced the panel of chairpersons, including Bilal Azhar Kayani, Abdul Qadir Patel, Romina Khurshid Alam, Syed Waseem Hussain, Shahida Akhtar Ali, and Sher Ali Arbab.

During the session, the government tabled the Income Tax (Amendment) Ordinance 2024. Later on, the session was adjourned till 2pm Tuesday.