Opp stages walkout on quake debate
Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—Opposition members in Senate have staged token walk out against what they described lack of interest and non serious attitude of government during the debate on reconstruction and rehabilitation of quake affectees.
They voiced protest that the debate was going on for several days in the house but government was not taking it seriously nor was any officer found present in the gallery to take notes.
Speaking on the point of order , Opposition leader in senate Raza Rabbani said the debate was an exercise in futility. “ We are holding debate and no one is present to take note”, he alleged.
Senator Raza Rabbani noted that debate on the devastation of earth quake was on but no official of Relief Commissioner or Reconstruction Authority had turned up to take any note. “ Therefore, we stage toke walk out to mark protest”, he added. The combined opposition walked out for a while from the house.
Citing to the statement given by Pakistan ambassador in US, Mian Raza Rabbani pointed out that the ambassador had stated that decision on opening of crossing points along LoC was preplanned and this decision had no relevance with earth quake. This is a sensitive issue and the foreign minister may be made bound to explain the matter in the house.
Professor Khurshid Ahmad of MMA said that matter was very sensitive. “ We were told that LoC was being opened on five points to provide help to quake victims. But Pakistan ambassador in US had made it clear it was pre-planned exercise and decision to open LoC had been taken before quake hit parts of Pakistan . Therefore, government should clarify its position, he demanded.
Minister for parliamentary affairs, Sher Afgan Niazi said all the funds coming for rehabilitation of quake survivors will be subjected to audit.
Opposition leader Raza Rabbani said international donors have demanded for constitution of parliamentary committee to monitor disbursement of relief funds. The committee being set up by the government is not representative committee of parliament as it would have no representation of opposition. Now the time is near to close a joint secretary has been sent to take notes.
How would government satisfy donor institutions in donors conference as every one was calling into question the intent of rulers.
The opposition members raised strong protest against awarding of contract by the government to federal minister Mushtaq Cheema for supply of sub standard tents for quake victims. Minister for parliamentary affairs, Sher Afgan Niazi said all the funds coming for rehabilitation of quake survivors will be subjected to audit. Opposition leader Raza Rabbani said international donors have demanded for constitution of parliamentary committee to monitor disbursement of relief funds. The committee being set up by the government is not representative committee of parliament as it would have no representation of opposition. Now the time is near to close a joint secretary has been sent to take notes.
PPP-P senator Abdullah Rabbani alleged that Prime Minister secretariat has approved for manufacturing tents with cloth instead of canvas to benefit a textile mill of federal minister. These tents are not water proof and benefit of million of rupees is being given to the federal minister. Government should explain its position on this matter.
Minister for parliamentary affairs, Dr Sher Afgan said that he would inform the house after contacting the concerned minister.