PML-N unwilling to accept new Opposition Leader in Senate

ISLAMABAD: Senators on Tuesday remained lock-horned over voting criterion for the slot of Leader of Opposition in the Upper House with some requesting the Chair to re-consider the notification of JUI-Fs Maulana Abdul Ghaffoor Haidari, but others strongly favoured his election.

Senator Ishaq Dar of PML-N, who later staged walk-out along with Jamat-e-Islami and PML ( Like Minded) contended the nine members were unfairly being denied of their right to vote for the post of Opposition Leader.

Senator Haroon Akhtar of PML argued there was no restriction on members should they intend to cast their vote in accordance with their conscience, and against the party lines. He opined the party head might disciple his members, but cannot manipulate their right to vote to any party.

His arguments were endorsed by Senator Naeem Chattha, saying their casting vote to the Opposition Leader was purely constitutional. Its our right. However, Senator S. M. Zafar contended since PML-Q had joined Government its members then could not vote for Leader of Opposition.

"If some PML-Q members want to vote (for Opposition Leader) they need to first quit party, risk Defection Clause and then go for it," he said.

S. M. Zafar said members from FATA and Independent didnt have any taboos to cast vote at any time.

Senators Hafiz Rashid, Azam Swati, Haji Ghulam Ali welcomed the election of Maulana Ghaffoor Haidari and urged PML N to work for betterment of democracy.

"Haji Ghulam Ali took a stronger line on attitude of PML-N, accusing the party was out to destablise democracy and political system." PML-N is working to strengthen dictatorship, he said.

Azam Swati urged PML-N to shun its `I don't agree policy, which he said, would do any good neither to this august House nor democratic norms.

Referring to the criticism of PML-N and some members of PML-Q, who pointed fingers on the ruling of the Chair, Swati said the seat of Chairman was a symbol of respect. "I fully endorse your (Chair) decision," he maintained.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011