Daily Times

After a furor in the parliament, in the beginning of the budget session, sense prevailed by deciding ToRs to run the session smooth. It was observed for the first time in the history of Pakistan’s upper house that the treasury benches were on its toes to disrupt the session. Notwithstanding, the session is in progress now. And the audience witnessed sensible speeches from the opposition benches mostly and, so far, Fakhar Imam, the chairman on Kashmir committee, and from the treasury benches, articulated brilliantly the dire need to revamp the agriculture sector of the country that is ignored not only in the present stint of PTI but the previous government of PMLN criminally brushed it aside also, hence, dismal figures of agriculture growth in 2019.

The opposition succeeded to expose the facade of the government and forced the government to play on its tunes. Moreover, PPP’s strive to get the production order for Asif Ali Zardari to attend the present session brought results. Some prominent opposition members had a complete sway by pointing the flaws in the budget presented in the assembly and held a day to highlight the incompetence of the government. Whereas, the members from the treasury benches, except a few, resorted to rhetoric and had nothing in their chests to counter the articulated stance of the opposition but a blame game. Most of the government speakers were, obviously, trying to please their supremo. That, Sarwar Khan, the minister, had to say on oath that he was not trying to please his PM when standing on the point of personal explanation to rebuttal the opposition. It was also interesting to see some government members foaming in the praise of the budget which, to them, spoke of the great vision of IK. At times, the National Assembly had an aura of pulpit when some fiery government members clamored for the Islamic Sharia in the country. Maybe, it was to defy the uproar of the JUIF members.

Some TV anchors sought to portray Zardari and Shahbaz Sharif as begging for an NRO. In the end Imran Khan was amenable to working on a charter of economy as suggested by the opposition leader

The confusion, from the treasury benches, was all in the air in so far sessions.

The formidable anchors pulled a rabbit out of their hats to portray Zardari and Shahbaz Sharif begging for the NRO. And, in fact, dragons weren’t spitting fire and IK conceded to work on the charter of economy as suggested by the opposition leader. In short, the last week witnessed a better political sense, and in the corridors of power reeds whispered of a snub call for the politicos from the quarters that be to behave themselves. What a story to tell! Just reeds are whispering nothing substantial to narrate here. The other positive sign was to snub the clamor of the JUIF who wanted to create another mayhem in the society. But the fear is it may simmer someday. That will be wise if some government members approach the disgruntled to behave in future.

It is all to prove that democracy, even in embryo, is the only panacea to address the problems of the people if it is allowed to continue and we must cross our fingers to see the system running in the country for people are destitute and can’t afford to be Cavia porcellus anymore.

It was nice to see members presenting their concerns of their constituents and it had an aura of accountability.

The live debate on PTV is applauded since it gives the opportunity to people to see the workings of their members and it will assert a great pressure on the legislatures to speak for their constituents and it may also curb the frenzy of the formidable TV anchors who pat themselves to be a great spin doctor. Through live sessions on PTV people can decide for themselves instead of listening to the shrieks of inevitable on their TVs.

Coming back to the proceedings of the running session the member from Baluchistan were unanimous not to yield before the demand of 3% cut in their NFC Award share. Some of them, tongue in their cheek, had the guts to speak of their ailments and Ms. Robina Irfan, the member from Kalat, had a point when she suggested that Baluchistan needs a post budget review to assess where the money allocated in the fiscal year for Baluchistan is spent. It tells a lot and suggests of great embezzlements while depriving the poor of their basic needs and rights.

The water disputes were also the point of moot and it is a problem that needs to be addressed on the emergency grounds.

Though government members from South Punjab applauded the efforts of the government to initiate big projects but the issue of the separate province was buried deep and none spoke to remind the government to remind its promise. Unfortunately, the majority from South Punjab is sitting on treasury benches and all are parroting the great efforts of the government for the area. That has been a practice from the members of South Punjab to win the favors of the concerned quarters since South Punjab is not represented by the genuine leadership and it has never been.

The writer is an instructor at English Language Centre of Taif University, KSA