ISLAMABAD: The historic, last session of the National Assembly on Thursday witnessed remorse, suggestions, criticism, and praises by the legislators, who shared their experience of being members of the House all these five years, across the political divide.
Parliament made history by becoming the first one in the country to complete a full term in office, dissolving in a low-key session that paves the way for elections. Perhaps, considering it the ‘last’ opportunity to express their emotions, a large number of lawmakers, who had hardly pressed the buzzer to take the floor in any piece of legislation or a debate, were kept waiting for their turn till the last minute of the around six-hour session.
The session that started on February 18, 2013 has prorogued on completion of its business,” said Yasmeen Rehman of the PPP, reading out a letter from President Zardari.Some Opp lawmakers expressed annoyance over failures to pay heed to the matter of Kala Bagh Dam, proper legislation on new provinces, law and order situation and power crisis. Besides, four resolutions, including the one moved by the JUI-F chief calling on the UN to help the Kashmirs get their right to self-determination, were unanimously passed.
“India should stop brutal actions against the Kashmiris and atrocities inflicted on people who are protesting the execution of Afzal Guru,” read the resolution. The three other resolutions passed were about condemning the practice of discouraging girl child education, paying rich tribute to Benazir Bhutto for her innumerable sacrifices and services to the people of Pakistan, and acknowledging extraordinary work of the Women Parliamentary Caucus. The PM was among the very few lawmakers who turned out for the last session of the 13th National Assembly, consisting mostly of farewell speeches. – Nation
