Asif urged to revoke 58-2(b), 17th Amend

ISLAMABAD - Leader of the House in the Senate Mian Raza Rabbani Monday said that Asif Ali Zardari, being the President of Pakistan, would improve the law and order situation, stabilise economy and maintain a balance between the powers of the Prime Minister and the President.

While speaking on the presidential election in the Senate, Rabbani said the President would soon initiate efforts to revoke 58-2(b) and 17th Amendment from the Constitution. He said Zardari would also initiate a political dialogue on Balochistan issue with a view to put an end to the longstanding miseries of the people of the troubled province.

"Zardari's political wisdom forced the dictator to quit the presidency and his election with overwhelming majority in the Parliament and the provinces proved that he was a real symbol of the Federation", Rabbani added.

He reiterated the ruling coalition was committed to repeal Article 58(2)b of the Constitution. "With the passage of time we will move forward towards its abolishment," he added.

"Zardari has committed that he would work under Parliament but we need cooperation from across the board spectrum," Rabbani said.

Meanwhile, senators from both the Opposition and the treasury benches termed Asif Ali Zardari's election as a victory of democracy and hoped that he would act as a symbol of the federation. They urged the newly elected President to abolish 58-2(b) and 17th Amendment to strengthen the democratic principles and practices in the country.

Senators Abdul Rahim Mandookhel, Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and Tahir Hussain Mashhadi congratulated Zardari and said that his success would strengthen democracy. Mashhadi said Zardari was the best choice for the presidency.

Acting Chairman Senate Jan Muhammad Jamali greeted Zardari and said it was pleasing that the process of Presidential election had been successfully completed without any allegation of the involvement of establishment. He said collective efforts are needed to meet all the challenges faced by the country. "We all have to take care of the country", said Jan Jamali.

Senator Abdur Rahim Mandokhel urged the President-elect to reinstate deposed judges as it would also help tackle the prevailing issues.

He called for abolishment of 58(2)b, 17th Amendment, provision of provincial autonomy and elimination of terrorism and extremism.

Senator Abdul Ghafoor Haidri said that September 6 proved an end to the military dictatorship and stressed the need of abolishing 58-2(b) and 17th Amendment for the sake of true democracy.

Senator Tahir Mashhadi said as the President-elect comes from smaller province so he might prove blessing for the people of smaller provinces.

He said Zardari should immediately devise policies to eliminate unemployment, poverty, abolish concurrent list and ensure provincial autonomy.

Senator Saadia Abbasi called for reinstatement of deposed judges and added that as the PPP rules in federation as well as two provinces and is a coalition partner in other two provinces, so it would be unjust if it does not take steps for country's development, national security and supremacy of the Parliament.

Senator Ratna Chawla and Senator Abdur Rashid stressed for collective efforts to eliminate terrorism and extremism and improve law and order situation.

Earlier, Prof Khurshid condemned alleged strike by NATO troops in Miranshah that claimed seven lives including three women and three children. He said there is no other option but to prepare ourselves for retaliation otherwise such attempts would continue in future as well.

Raza Rabbani also spelled out the priorities of President-elect with recovery of missing persons in Balochistan at the top.

"Hundreds of mothers in Balochistan are yearning to see their dear ones back to their homes and Asif Ali Zardari would take up the matter as expeditiously as possible," said Mian Raza Rabbani.

PML-Q senators also congratulated Zardari and said the country was facing grave challenges, which would be the real test of his leadership.

Concluding the debate over presidential election, Advisor to Prime Minister on Industries and Production Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo said that PPP would work for creating peace and harmony in the country. He said the ruling party had no intention to destabilise any provincial government.

Professor Ibrahim condemned exposing of votes in NWFP Assembly during the presidential election and urged the government to take notice of the incident. He said that the confrontation between Governor and the Chief Minister Punjab was harmful for democracy. He stressed Zardari to take notice of the statements issued by Salman Taseer, Shahbaz Sharif and Rana Sanaullah for the sake of harmony between institutions.

Moreover, the House deferred the bill seeking amendment to the Registration Act 1908, as a number of treasury and Opposition senators differed with Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Farooq H Naek, on this issue.

Abbas Komaili strongly criticised the government for irregularities in the award of Haj quota. Pari Gul Agha said that parliamentarians' quota should be increased from 10 persons per lawmaker.

Meanwhile, government was facing difficulties in legislation making process in Senate as amendment bill 2008 on registration act 2008, moved by law minister Farooq H Naik, was deferred on insistence of treasury and opposition members.

Opposition senator Ch Anwar Bhindar said such documents be prepared through legislation which could not be challenged in the courts. The registry procedure laid down in the bill is important, he demanded.

Treasury senator Kamran Qureshi said every bill had been brought in haste. A committee be constituted to resolve the matter.

Professor Khurshid Ahmad said there should be no ambiguity in legislation. Law minister Farooq H Naik said this legislation would benefit the common man.

Pari Gul Agha said the bill should be referred to standing committee for law, she stressed.

Leader of the house Mian Raza Rabbani said the bill be deferred.