Leader of the opposition in National Assembly, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Monday accused the government of creating fertiliser shortage for farmers throughout the country, by what he said giving fake permits to party MNAs and ministers, despite an assurance given by prime minister on the floor of the House.
Speaking on a point of order, Nisar said t the prime minister, some three days back, had made it clear that the concerned minister would inform the House about the shortage being created in the country, but that glorious day never came. He questioned as to who else could be approached after assurance by the head of the executive [prime minister] Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. Pointing fingers on Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, who is also minister for industries and production, Nisar said why did he not turn up to take on the issue of national importance.
"We want to know what is the problem with him, is he sick or having some other engagements more important than the plight of the poor farmers, who constitute most of the 65 percent of rural population," he added. Nisar alleged that 80 percent fake permits for distribution of fertiliser were given to the people of the concerned minister's home district Gujrat. Just to give a glimpse of malpractice in the distribution of fertiliser, he said an MNA close to the Chaudrys' of Gujrat was given 4500 bags of urea, whereas a minister got allotted 1000 bags of the same fertiliser.
Showing serious concern over continuous absence of the minister for industries and production, he demanded of the chair to give a ruling, ensuring his presence in the house to give real picture about worsening shortage of fertiliser especially urea. "Despite lapse of three and half years, no minister [s] turned up. I've never seen such a parliament, which is being run in such a manner...what should we do, should we approach the Supreme Court, seeking its directives to ensure the ministers presence when the House is in session," he added.
These ministers, who do not even bother to come to the House, he added, are being paid and are continuous on the national kitty. "For God sake, don't turn this House into a fish market but unfortunately the incumbent government left no stone unturned to make it a market place...wake up from the deep slumber of insensitivity and remember God's wrath," he warned.
In response to Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan's point of order, Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah of PPP stood up from his seat and reminded the opposition leader that the prime minister never promised that Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi will come to the House rather he had said that details will be furnished. Shah said his party has no objection and the House can start an immediate debate on the issue, which was turned down by the opposition leader on the excuse he was busy somewhere else and would not be able attend the session till Wednesday.