Opposition parties submitted a privilege motion under Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly Secretariat on Tuesday accusing the government of its failure to grant sustainable development funds to women parliamentarians elected on reserved seats for the last four years. The motion put forth unanimously by the opposition further alleged, "The government has meanwhile been granting these funds to all male parliamentarians and those elected on minority seats."
The document cited Article 51 (3) of the 1973 Constitution, under which 60 seats are reserved for women proportionate to the strength of each party in the province. It also mentioned Article 25 (2) of the Constitution, which states that there will be no discrimination the basis of sex.
The motion further stated that women constitute about 20 per cent of the parliamentarians in the House and contribute to more than 50 percent of the business. It said that their vote is equal to any other in passing of bills and constitutional petitions. "The government's action is blatantly discriminatory and unconstitutional," added the motion.
The motion demanded that the issue should immediately be taken up for discussion and action. Interestingly, male parliamentarians were also among the signatories of the motion.
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