National Assembly on Friday passed two unanimous resolutions; one in support of strengthening true democratic system, and the other for eradication of feudalism and purging the country of corrupt politicians, generals, bureaucrats and judges. The resolutions, which were moved by PML-N and MQM, were presented by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan in the House.
The PML-N resolution was for strengthening democratic institutions and the resolution moved by MQM was to eliminate feudalism, land mafia and corrupt politicians, generals and bureaucrats from the country.
According to the resolution moved by the PML-N, “conscious of the need to continuously nurture the tree of democracy, freshly re-planted by the people of Pakistan after years of struggle against oppression and tyranny, the House affirms its commitment to strengthening the true and genuine democratic system and democratic institutions, which alone can ensure national integrity and solidarity, inter-provincial harmony, balanced economic development and the well-being and prosperity of the people of the Pakistan.”
The resolution further said that the House reiterates its determination to uphold the supremacy of the constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights of the people and rule of law. In accordance with the oath taken by the members, this House shall preserve, protect and defend the Constitution, which embodies principles of democracy, freedom, and political, economic, and social justice. Good governance, including establishment of systems and procedures ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making, requires strict adherence to these principles by all executive authorities and public functionaries.
The resolution says that the House also reaffirms its commitment to an independent judiciary under the constitution, which too is a guardian of the Constitution and the rule of law, and to a free and responsible media which plays a vital role in ensuring public awareness, transparency and across the board accountability. “Any attempt to adopt extra constitutional or non-democratic measures, amounts to endangering the future of Pakistan. It is only through democracy and their elected representatives that the will of the people can be exercised to achieve their desired objectives through fair, free and transparent elections.”
According to other resolution moved by MQM, the House resolves that if the present system of feudalism and landlords, big land holdings and vast tracts of un-surveyed land remains in possession of influential Waderas, it will be detrimental to the interest of people of Pakistan and to the furtherance of true democracy, fair play and justice in the country. From the inception of Pakistan the feudal lords, corrupt elements amongst the politicians, generals, bureaucracy, judges and capitalists have usurped all the resources of people of Pakistan.”
“This House, therefore, resolves that eradication of feudalism and corruption is need of the hours and genuine land reforms is requirement of the day” Earlier, PML-N and MQM levelled allegations against one another leadership. Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Dr Farooq Sattar levelled allegations against one another leadership.
While commenting on MQM leader Altaf Hussain’s statement, Chaudhry Nisar said that army generals could not change the system, adding that it is the parliament, which could do so. “Altaf Hussain can not change the system by sitting in UK. He should come to Pakistan and visit the flood devastated areas to alleviate the sufferings of flood victims,” he added.
He said, “MQM always voted in favour of the feudal lords. This party cast vote in favour of feudal presidential candidate Farooq Laghari instead of a man from middle class, Waseem Sajjad in 1993. Similarly, the party cast vote in favour of big landlord (Zardari) of Nawabshah instead of supporting of middle class men Mushahid Hussain Syed and former Justice Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddaqui in presidential election. And MQM has been in power for most of time during last three decades.” The Opposition leader also alleged that “MQM is behind the target killings in Karachi.” He said that the PML-N has learnt from its mistakes and signed Charter of Democracy (COD) and was determined that it would never support any military dictator in future.
He said, “we would respect army generals and solders if they work in the parameters of Constitution. Military institution is under the federal government and it should work under it,” he said. “Military can not collect funds for flood affected people without the permission of federal government. If it wants to collect funds, it should take permission from the government under law. If it did not do so, I will take notice of it in the meeting of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on September 23, 2010,” he announced.
“ISPR should not give report of army while Ministry of Defence should do so. The Ministers of foreign country should not be allowed to hold direct meetings in GHQ. These meetings should be held in the presence of the Prime Minister and Defence Minister,” he added.
“Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani will be responsible if Altaf Hussain gave statement against constitution in future. The Prime Minster should summon British Ambassador in Foreign Office and asked him to stop its citizen (Altaf) intervening in the internal affairs of Pakistan,” he added. While responding to the comments of the Opposition leader, Farooq Sattar of MQM said Opposition leader disappointed the whole nation and what message he gave to the flood affected people?
Today, Pakistan is facing three big challenges including flood, terrorism and price hike. While the opposition leader did not speak about these, he said. He said that MQM always remained against feudalism and martial law. He said that his party wants complete abolishment of 8th Amendment. He claimed that PML-N violated the CoD by holding secret meeting with the Army Chief. Later, a motion was moved in the House to start debate on the recent floods in the country. Saad Rafiq, Faisal Saleh Hayat, Jamshed Dasti and others spoke about the situation arising out of the devastating floods.
