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Walkout in NA on Dr Shazia case

SLAMABAD, February 24, 2005 The opposition staged a token walkout from the National Assembly on the first day of the third parliamentary year when its member was not allowed to raise Dr Shazia Khalid’s rape issue.

After the opposition’s walkout from the House, PPPP legislator Nahid Khan pointed out the quorum; around 70 members were sitting in the House at that time.

The incident started when Tehmina Daultana, on a point of order, wanted to speak on the rape issue making harsh remarks against the alleged involvement of Captain Hamad in the case. And the speaker did not allow her to speak saying that the issue would be discussed on Thursday then she could speak on it. On this, Tehmina Daultana, in protest, announced to walkout from the House, which was followed by the opposition.

Later, when the opposition came back, and the House was in quorum, PML-N legislator Khawaja Asif raised the promulgation of the Defence Housing Authority,Islamabad, Ordinance 2005, issue saying it is an attempt to bypass Parliament from questioning the rationale and justification for setting up another civic authority in the federal capital in addition to the Capital Development Authority.

He said under the Constitution an ordinance could only be issued when Parliament is not in session and if circumstances warrant issuance of an ordinance. “In view of the fact that the National Assembly was scheduled to meet today there was no need for an ordinance,” he added.

He said the promulgation of an ordinance just few hours before the session of the National Assembly has dramatized the trivialisation of Parliament and also highlighted how real estate and commercial interests of some are being advanced through questionable legal mechanisms.

“What was the urgency that the ordinance could not wait just for one day and placed before the National Assembly,” he questioned.
Source: The News
Date:2/24/2005