sept 27

 

Chairman
KANA Standing Committee

National Assembly

Islamabad

 

September 27, 2009

 

Subject: Urgent Meeting of KANA Standing Committee

 

 

Dear

 

Despite my numerous efforts to request you to convene a meeting, it is unfortunate that KANA Standing Committee has only met once since PPP government took charge 18 months back.

 

I would request you to urgently call a meeting in which the following issues need to be on the agenda for discussion:

 

1-      Passing of the self governance order without approval or discussion of NALA (Northern Area Legislative Assembly) or the KANA Standing Committee, despite PM’s commitment; and without a constitutional cover.

2-      The merits and demerits of the Order considering the fact that empowerment has gone in reverse with the Council having a balance of power in favour of federation. And also considering that judiciary’s suo moto powers have been impacted.

3-      The posting of a Governor who is neither local nor neutral during election period and who has constitutional limitations as per Article 103 (2) of taking over as Governor.

4-      The assurances given by the government to Kashmiri leadership that no real autonomy has been given to GB whilst GB political religious and civil society consultations on the same have not taken place and assurances have been made in media that major autonomy has been given to GB.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5-      The stopping of Annual Development Fund for the region since one year causing retardation in development for GB; considering PML had given average Rs 7 billion per year with Rs 5 crore annually per MLA. The insinuations of giving a financial package one month before election as a sign of influencing election results and purposefully delaying development since one year.

6-      The privilege motion against Minister KANA who committed in KANA standing committee meeting of a package better than MNA M.Memon’s bill giving provisional provincial status.

7-      The privilege motion against Minister KANA and Minister BISP for transparency issues and pre-poll rigging through BISP forms. Firstly since as per PM investigation forms were distributed by elected as well as unelected members. Secondly because in order to get payments for BISP forms, NIC cards were kept in custody. Thirdly because in certain areas BISP payments were collected from post office by PPP teams and distributed not just to addressees but equally amongst all village families irrespective of poverty criteria.

8-      The need for reversal of six months of posting transfers which have been started by PPP government as a pre-poll rigging tactic.

9-      The clarification of procedure on postal ballots to be received one day before election day to avoid rigging.

10-   The failure of administration to avoid riots and thus further deaths after bomb in Gilgit on Sept 26, leading to Section 144 and inability to campaign by political parties.

11-   The clarification on the criteria which will be used to determine women reserve seat candidates and technocrats, whether this will be as per National Assembly methodology or some other methodology.

12-  The false allegations launched in an Islamabad press conference by a PPP official against me and my father of not finding candidates and visiting GB with briefcases and check books. These allegations are defamatory under the law, hence legal proceedings will be initiated.

 

Considering the above issues are all important a meeting is necessary. I look forward to a positive response.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

MNA Marvi Memon

PML Incharge Gilgit Baltistan

 

 

cc:       1-Prime Minister of Pakistan

2-PML President

3- Members of Standing Committee KANA

 

against kaira

Secretary

National Assembly

Islamabad

 

September 4, 2009

 

 

Subject: Privilege Motion

 

 

Dear Mr. Secretary

 

 

I hereby wish to move a Privilege Motion against Minister for KANA Mr. Kaira as per Rule 96 of Rules of Procedure & Conduct of Business in the National Assembly 2007 as given hereunder kindly include it in the Order of the day.

 

 

Privilege Motion

 

Mr Kaira gave a commitment on July 6 to KANA Standing committee that his GB package would be better than my Bill which he rejected. It has now been proved beyond doubt that my bill proposing provisional provincial status was better than his non constitutional package which has greatly angered the people of GB.

 

I also move the same to the Government Assurance Committee for similar scrutiny.

 

 

Sincerely

 

 

Marvi Memon

 

 

Cc: Mr Toochi Khan, Government Assurance Committee Chairman

 

letter to pm on gb

Prime Minister of Pakistan

Prime Minister House

Islamabad

Subject: GB package and BISP form corruption

September 4, 2009

Dear

Based on my consultations in GB with political parties, legal fraternity, business people, I attach herewith a White paper against the PPP government’s GB package (Annex 1). This is a part of constructive opposition and democracy which a unanimously elected PM like you would certainly appreciate.

I also attach the copy of the privilege motion against Ms Raja and Mr Kaira for the pre-poll rigging they have carried out in GB through BISP forms. Your investigation as attached in the Annex 2 proves beyond doubt that non elected people were given forms for distribution which is against all norms. I hope that in both cases you will be able to take corrective action plans so that the people of GB don’t suffer. Currently they are most disappointed with your government’s actions in GB and as a result there are separatist movements which are getting strong. They have asked for consultations with you which are critical. Your consultations on GB with non GB people including Kashmiris are increasing their anger. As a Pakistani legislator and PML Incharge GB it is my duty to point these issues out.

Very soon I shall be bringing to your notice the pre-poll rigging tactics which your government is also carrying out. My PML candidates deserve a clean rigging free environment. As such before we start inviting international observers and writing to foreign ambassadors about your government’s pre-poll rigging I would appreciate your signature unbiased approach to rectifying these anomalies kindly.

Thanking you.

Sincerely,

Marvi Memon

PML Incharge GB

cc: PML President Ch Shujat Hussain

 

PML Response to PPP’s “majority seeking” package for Gilgit- Baltistan (GB) August 30 2009 –

 

Gilgit PML is the only national party which understands the issues of GB, and has contributed towards its devolution and development without any political motives. Other political parties have neither contributed nor have understood; they are either busy establishing own majority in GB through this package (majority seeking package) or are giving empty banners and slogans with no background to the events. Lack of awareness of the area by these parties has led to this state of affairs and wrong impression of new reforms is being given as diversion tactic from national issues. No consultations were held with PML President prior to announcement of package. The commitment given by PM to PML in-charge GB and her GB cabinet delegation (on May 14 2009) that NALA (Northern Area Legislative Assembly) will be taken into confidence when package was formulated was also not honored. Conceptually NALA and KANA Standing Committee of National Assembly were the two forums to get a democratic approval for the package which clearly didn’t happen. The GB empowerment and self government ordinance 2009 is not acceptable since PML believes in parliamentary supremacy where practice of ordinances and executive orders need to be discouraged. An Act should have been passed and constitutional protection given to this package. That was the democratic way forward rather than the civil dictatorial process. The commitment given on July 6 by Minister KANA (Kaira) to the National Assembly Standing committee on KANA was that the proposed package of PPP would be better than Marvi Memon’s bill which had asked for provisional provincial status with Senate and National Assembly seats for the elected representatives of GB. Clearly this has been violated and thus privilege of members breached by the minister, for which a privilege motion will be moved against him soon. The demand and the genuine wishes of the people of GB had been either provincial status since they chose to accede to Pakistan in 1948 or AJK style set up. Neither has been given by this package; with the result that the people continue to feel enslaved. The sense of deprivation has increased since false hopes were built about the package by the PPP government. The Chief Minister and Governor model has been taken from Indian Held Kashmir and the Council idea from AJK. The actual powers of the CM, his ministers, advisors, members of Assembly have not been declared yet. By saying they will be on same format as AJK is not enough. PML demands an open discussion in parliament on the same through KANA standing committee and through NALA. The rules of Business need to be approved by both forums since those are more meaningful than the ordinance. An impression has been given that a new Assembly with members has been given. This is incorrect. PML established the NALA (assembly) in 2007 and infact the strength of the MLA (Members of Legislative Assembly) have been decreased from our original 36 to 33. The name Gilgit Baltistan was taken away from the area by ZAB and has been returned to the area because of the struggle of current NALA members and PML efforts with PM. The Boundary commission demand to determine border between NWFP and GB was a PML demand made to the PM (already given in PML’s Oct 2007 package) which seems to have been accepted, but no meeting or results have yet to be seen on this. PML demands an open discussion in parliament on the same through KANA standing committee. The creation of District Hunza Nagar is not a new reform given by PPP. It was notified in PML time and has been delayed in terms of implementation unduly as was pointed out to PPP in the KANA standing committee. Rondu and Doghoni sub-divisions implementation is also delayed by PPP govt. The selection of Acting Governor Kaira is highly objectionable since he is a PPP member, a sitting PPP information Minister and has proved to be highly incompetent for the area; as is clear due to the stopping of all development in last one half years. Instead of Rs 7 b annual development has been reduced to Rs 4b. Instead of Rs 5 crore per MLA only Rs 1.5 crore has been given. This year ADP allocation was stopped for the area and all projects stalled. Moreover, he has a privilege motion already against him as PM’s investigation has proved that he has done pre-poll rigging by giving BISP forms to non elected people of GB. He is thus not a neutral Governor for election purposes. The Governor should be a local of the area and preferably non political thus unbiased, and living in GB so correct focus can be given to area. The delimitation should have taken place and logically the number of seats in NALA should have been increased. Similarly why has a limit on ministers been put when the same is not the case in the AJK or provincial set ups. It is not clear from the statement of the Minister which reforms will be implemented first and which after promulgation of ordinance. Whilst a Council has been proposed it is yet to be seen how this will function and thus the rules of business for these also need to be checked by KANA committee and NALA to make sure it is AJK style. Whilst 6 members of Council will be selected this will facilitate jiala bharti syndrome. Similarly PML condemns the wrong dismissal of the PML GB cabinet prematurely in July 2009 and demands its re-instatement. Or else in the interim set up if non PML members are inducted it will be a violation of the democratic strength PML enjoys in current NALA and will be considered as pre-poll rigging. The wrong impression is being given that laws which can be legislated have increased from 49 to 61. Infact PML package had given 82, thus these have been reduced. The Public Service Commission proposal is not new. It is the same as was proposed in PML days but not implemented by the current government. Post of Auditor General was already given by PML but not executed by PPP govt. THE SME and ZTBL interest waiving off on loans as given by PML was not executed by PPP government. The NA development working party given by PML was also not executed. The CEC is a new initiative but it needs to be executed transparently and election rolls and other election machinery should be under the supervision of international observers. Due to BISP form distribution and Kaira’s governor appointment, pre-poll rigging accusations are hereby formally charged by PML on the PPP government. The post of Additional chief secretary was a new post created by PML but has been missed by PPP since it is not interested in development of GB. No judicial reforms have truly been carried out since unlike the impression being given the Chief Court and Appellate Court already existed. The demand for change of nomenclature of Chief Court to that of High Court has not been respected; this promise made by present government has infact been violated. The single entry budget demand given by PML with release in one bloc has not been implemented in this package. It is not clear whether NALA would simply have budget presented to it or will have the authority to debate it and approve it. This also needs to be clarified to NALA and KANA Standing Committee. The reform given by PML of a PAC has not been given by PPP which is an integral part of democracy. And so are the standing committees missing from the set up. Consolidated Fund which is proposed, its details need to be presented for approval to NALA and KANA Standing committee. Capacity building of GB is federal government responsibility and the involvement and powers of KANA ministry need to be eliminated if the impression of slavery has to be wiped out from the minds of the people of GB. Otherwise it is a centralized colonial hold over GB which is unacceptable to the people of GB. Unlike PML packages given no development funds have been announced and the lack of development focus is clear. GB is already a part of Pakistan since article 1d of the constitution accepts accession clause as was clearly explained in the decision given by Supreme Appellate Court Justice Abbassi. And thus provisional provincial status should not have been a problem. The workers of PML have shown their sadness at the PM’s announcement and feel that their feelings as being part of Pakistan have not been respected.

 

letter to pm on judicial suo moto

Honorable Prime Minister

Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Prime Minister Secretariat

Islamabad

 

 

July 10, 2009

 

Subject: Diamir Dam compensation for people of Gilgit-Baltistan and judicial intervention on the same

 

 

Dear

 

As discussed in the May 14 2009 meeting with you, there was a commitment made by your honorable self, to consult with the NALA (Northern Area Legislative Assembly) before package of compensation was announced for Diamir dam. Similarly you had also been gracious to include high level parliamentarians from the area in the high level committee to be chaired by your honorable self as well as a boundary commission to be formed at the earliest.

 

Despite many months passing your commitment has not been honored by your team and infact when reminded in a KANA Standing Committee National Assembly meeting (July 6) the Minister KANA showed no knowledge of this issue and many other commitments made by you to the GB delegation.

 

Recently Supreme Appellate Court has taken notice of the compensation issue. It’s a pity that when legislature reminded executive of the urgency of this issue, judiciary had to step in since executive had not resolved it as yet. I attach copy of the judicial suo moto (annex1)

 

Considering the fact that Diamir is critical for Pakistan’s growth and considering the fact that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan deserve just compensation, net hydel profit, boundary commission to be formed, I would request you to please, take urgent notice of this issue and instruct your executive to honour your commitments.

 

Similarly NALA awaits discussion (and their approval) on the package of political reforms before they are announced as per your commitment in the May 14 meeting.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Marvi Memon

 

 

Cc:       Chairman National Assembly Standing Committee KANA

 

text of resolution

Text of Resolution which Unanimously Passed in NALA This August House presents tribute to Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan Yousaf Raza Gillani for giving opportunity to a delegation of members of Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly for the first time to have a meeting with him to discuss critical issues of the area. For first time this positive gesture of Prime Minister gave people this stimulating impression that present Government wants to know and resolve the issues of Gilgit Baltistan. This House fully endorses the invitation which this delegation gave to Prime Minister of Pakistan to visit Gilgit Baltistan. During the meeting with delegation of Legislative Assembly members Prime minister gave reasonable orders on different points and on few he gave immediate orders to different institutions for quick action. This House wishes that these institutions should be made accountable to present their report to Prime Minister on their progress so that things don’t get delayed under given orders. This House feels that like other Provinces Prime Minister of Pakistan should give opportunity to Gilgit Baltistan delegations to meet him for couple of times in a year so that the lack of representation in highest national institution doesn’t delay resolution of Gilgit Baltistan Issues. This House values efforts of Marvi Memon Sahiba, she made this meeting of Gilgit Baltistan delegation with Prime Minister of Pakistan possible through her personal efforts and time to time she plays an important role to raise issues of this deprived region in National Assembly and outside National Assembly.

 

decisions taken in our historic meeting with pm today on Gilgit Baltistan

Press Release
 
Meeting with PM of Gilgit-Baltistan PML delegation led by PML Incharge GB MNA Marvi Memon
 
A delegation of PML GB met with PM Gillani today in Islamabad. Delegation was led by MNA Marvi Memon who is PML incharge Northern Areas. The delegation had following members:  Speaker- 5 Advisors – 3 MLAs
 
MNA Marvi Memon informed the PM of the many outstanding issues of Gilgit-Baltistan which had not been handled by the KANA Minister in the last one year of PPP led government. Prime Minister gave directives on the following lines:
 
The name Northern Areas needs to be changed to Gilgit-Baltistan as per the wishes of NALA. The PM accepted this and asked for this issue to be taken up in the Cabinet Committee meeting.
The PIA flights were asked to be increased from 2 to 3 a day. PM accepted and asked for PIA Chairman to implement.
Diamir Dam apprehensions were discussed. PM was informed that the people wished for the name to be Diamir only not Basha. Compensation was demanded at international levels. PM was informed that both power houses were in Diamir side and not in NWFP. PM accepted that these were issues which needed resolution and that a committee would discuss these and resolve to the satisfaction of NALA. Committee would include MNA Marvi Memon, Speaker NALA, Advisor NALA Qudoos.
PM was informed that October 2007 package approved by President Musharraf was not implemented. It was accepted that the new package would be finalized after approval of NALA and discussion with KANA committee.
Financial matters were discussed. Approval of giving finds to GB in one bloc was given. PM asked them to look into this matter. GB account in State Bank was demanded. The release of 50% of Rs 5.45 bn was approved which had been blocked earlier. Satpara redesign PC1 needed to be followed. Gilgit Skurdu road which had stopped had to be implemented. PC4 for all completed projects needed to be approved for staffing. PM approved all of these requests.
Wetland project ownership was demanded for GB since GB had 33 wetlands versus NWFP which had 3. This would be discussed at inter provincial meeting. Working plan for forests in Diamir was to be made functional.
PM took strict notice of the 36,000 BBISP forms which had been given wrongly to non elect members and to party members of PPP which was tantamount to pre poll rigging.
Media share of advertisement was demanded for media and press club grants.
PM also took strict notice of why Supreme Appellate Court was not appointed for 6 months and subordinate judiciary upgradation case with KANA was pending at KANA Ministry for 2 years.
On murder of Deputy Speaker, the judicial inquiry was demanded fast and PM agreed to take those officials in the administration to task at conclusion of judicial report. Extension of posts was to be discouraged in the future. PM gave approval in principle to this.
The Constitutional Rights issue was discussed and it was decided that AJK style government was to be given preference at the time of Package.
Lastly the PM accepted the invitation of the PML members to visit Gilgit-Baltistan at the earliest.

 

KANA cttee

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Secretary KANA Division

KANA Division

Islamabad

April 23, 2009

Subject: Judicial Inquiry/Inquiry report on Deputy Speaker NALA’s killing

Dear Mr. Secretary

As Chairman National Assembly Standing Committee KANA, I have just had a briefing on the current security situation post killing of Deputy Speaker NALA by my member MNA Marvi Memon who has returned from Skurdu today.

I would like the KANA Division to brief my committee at the National Assembly premises on your complete security plan for GB. I will be calling the first meeting in this regard soon.

In the meantime I would appreciate it if you could accelerate the process of the judicial inquiry and the inquiry report of the said killing. This should be presented to the committee and also to the National Assembly as committed by the government at the earliest.

This is an urgent issue and I request you to deal with it at priority.

Sincerely

Shahzada Muhiuddin

Chairman Standing Committee National Assembly, KANA

Cc: Federal Minister for KANA

Federal Minister for Interior

Members of the Committee