'N', PPP lock horns over PA standing committees

The chairman of a committee is elected by the committee from amongst its members. The chairmanship of the committees usually goes to the majority party in the assembly.

Besides some perks and privileges attached with the office of chairman and members of the house committees, they are mandated to examine important legislation in the Assembly and to make recommendations in this regard.

As there seems no chance of the two sides to reach some agreement, the issue is likely to be referred to the assembly. The said committee has already met twice but with no tangible results. It would be meeting for the third time today.

Meanwhile, it has been learnt that PPP wants to put off the matter till the much-awaited expansion in Punjab cabinet, which is likely in the second week of October. The PPP fears that taking up of this issue at this point of time may damage its ‘strategic relationship’ with the PML-Q, whose members may get annoyed if not given their due representation in the house committees.

It is to be noted that PML-Q has assured all out help to the PPP in Punjab in case Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif is asked to take fresh vote of confidence from the assembly after a possible pull out of its ministers from Punjab cabinet.