KARACHI -  The Sindh Assembly on Monday passed a resolution condemning Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leadership for demanding early election and dissolution of assemblies and termed it an attempt to sabotage the system and insult the electorate.  The resolution which was tabled by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Nisar Ahmed Khuhro was supported by all other parliamentary parries except Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

The resolution stated that the assembly condemns the attitude of Tehreek-e-Insaf leadership for demanding early elections and dissolving the democratically elected assemblies.

The state of mind is tantamount to disregard of the rights of citizens of the country who elect their representatives for five years in accordance with the constitution of Pakistan. When the government is effectively undertaking development works, controlling law and order situation and engaged in important foreign investment projects like CPEC.

The demand is surprising indicating sabotage of system and insult to the electorate which is totally rejected.

Speaking on the resolution, Nisar Ahmed Khuhro said that PTI wanted early elections and demand to dissolve assemblies was an attack on the public right to express. “People have chosen their representatives for five years and it is a mindset that is aimed at attacking people’s constitutional right to elect people,” he said.  The PPP minister said that PTI demand was aimed at sabotaging the system. “Dictators have ruled the country for long in past and after many years the democratic governments are able to complete their tenures and this should continue now,” he said.

He lambasted Imran Khan for calling himself a leader and said that how could a leader disgrace its voter. “These demands are aimed at weakening the parliamentary system,” he said adding that after supporting illegal referendum of Musharraf they are once again bent on conspiring against democracy.

He said that some people are calling for early elections and some for technocrats’ government but they should remember that there is no room for both of these demands and ideas. “Someone should tell them that article 58 2(b) has been eliminated from the constitution,” he said.

Minister for Information Nasir Hussain Shah said that PTI tries to come into power through back door and waiting for umpire’s figure but this figure would never rise. “Their dreams of ruling Sindh province will never be accomplished,” he said adding that before calling for elections the PTI should improve its governance in KPK province.

Opposition Leader in Sindh Assembly Khwaja Izharul Hassan said that MQM would continue its support for the incumbent assemblies to complte their tenure. “Disgracing the democratic system will only pave way for the dictatorship in the country,” he said.

PTI lawmaker Khurram Sher Zaman opposed the resolution and said that the poor could not be left on the mercy of these rulers who have been looting them for years.  “Those who had looted the taxpayers’ money are crowned. Is it the democracy that we are talking about?” he asked.

He said that they were not against the democracy instead they were against the system that is allowing corrupt to roam freely. “Corruption is on the rife in the country and the corrupt finance minister is abroad citing health reasons,” he said.

Tribute paid to

Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai

The House also adopted a resolution tabled by PPP lawmaker Sikander Shoro paying tribute to Sufi Saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai on the occasion of 274th anniversary.

It stated that Shah Abdul Latif professed peace, tolerance and love for humanity through his poetry which has an everlasting universal influence. Sindh Safe Blood Transfusion Act 2017 passed

Meanwhile, the House also approved Sindh Safe Blood Transfusion Act 2017 aimed at establishing an authority that would oversee the safe collection, testing, processing, storage, distribution and transfusion process of human blood in the province.  As per this act an authority named Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority would be established and would have vast authority to act against those violating the rules. The old act of 1997 titled Sindh Safe Blood act would cease to operate after approval of this act and the authority formed under the new act would ensure implementation along with punishments of imprisonment from six months to five years along with fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 million.

Encroachment on Edhi land

PTI lawmaker Khurram Sher Zaman on Monday raised the issue of encroachments on EDHI offices across Sindh province via an adjournment motion in Sindh Assembly and demanded of the government to immediately end illegal occupation on Edhi offices.

Responding to it, Minister for Home Sohail Anwer Sial said that the provincial government took notice of the issue and all concerned police officers have been directed to evacuate any encroachment on the EDHI land.

“A civil judge had ordered to evacuate Edhi centre in Thatta as land dispute case is ongoing in the court,” he informed.

Minister for Information Nasir Hussain Shah said that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had taken notice of the reports regarding encroachment on Edhi land and he was constantly in touch with Faisal Edhi over the issue.  “We will not allow anyone to occupy Edhi land and the provincial government is standing alongside them,” he said.  He said that Abdul Sattar Edhi served the humanity and the entire nation was indebted to him for his services.

Meanwhile, the MQM lawmaker Kamran Akhter raised the issue of sky-rocketing prices of tomatoes and other vegetables in the province and said that the government was unable to give relief to the masses due to its failed policies.

The minister for Agriculture, Supply and Prices Sohail Anwer Sial said that the issue persisted in the month of August but after the shipment from Iran, the prices had been lowered. “The issue was caused due to shortage of tomatoes in the market and later arrival of tomato shipments from Iran lowered the prices,” he informed.

The House was adjourned to meet again on Tuesday.