In Punjab Assembly opposition legislator Sami Ullah Khan participating in the general discussion on proposed budget 2007-08 here on Tuesday said that if the government truly intended to build mega water reservoirs, it was its responsibility to do so and no body was stopping them in this connection.
He posed question that did the present government ask opposition on subject of Akbar Bugti's operation, or did consult on the issue of uniform, including Kalabagh Dam and on the matter of Chief Justice Reference. If it had not done so, why does it need nod from opposition parties on the important issue, he added.
Earlier, Sheik Alla-u-Din a treasury bench legislator on the Point of Order put objections on opposition party Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarian (PPPP) for its approach on construction of Kalabagh Dam and said its stance on the important issue was different. He said that leadership at helm of affairs held meeting with PPPP, but the party according to his information, did not agree on it.
The Treasury's member Point of Order in the meantime was disallowed, on which the member threatened to go out of the assembly in protest.
Arshad Baggo Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) legislator in the meantime asked for a Ruling by the Chair on this issue, in which the Chairman of the Panel conducting the House said that Chairman's ruling was binding on each member, however, if a single member showed his dissent on acceptance of the ruling, pressure could not be exercised to accept the ruling.
Opposition MPA Saghira Islam speaking in the discussion averred that masses on account of deplorable economic conditions were committing suicides and selling their kidney's for sustaining themselves.
She said billions had been kept in the budget with regard to expenses of ministers, secretaries and advisors while there was only increase of Rs 600 hundred in minimum wages and Rs 500 hundred for families under the poverty line, made in the proposed budget. She also raised voice for the plight of the teachers in the House on the occasion. Treasury MPA Altaf Hussain addressing the House in the discussion appreciated government for its steps in promotion of development endeavour in the province.
He said in the budget billions had been allocated for health, education and agriculture sectors uplift. Amir Usman Treasury MPA speaking on the occasion said that it was a great feat of the present government to give five budgets in a row and it was commendable that present assemblies were completing the five-year period, which in the history of the country was a unfound example.
Treasury benches in the House showed displeasure on statement in press of PPPP Punjab President Shah Mahmood Qureshi on his recent statement on giving of title of Sir to Salman Rushdie. He asked the opposition leader to further clarify his position on the matter. Legislators during the session again showed their anger on giving of title of Sir to Rushdie.