sept 28- dt/news

Press Release:

 

September 27, 2009

 

Kerry Lugar bill an affront to Pak sovereignty: MNA Marvi Memon

 

The Indian PM has had the audacity of accusing Pak of using terror as an instrument of state policy because Pak government by accepting Kerry Lugar terminology has accepted the same unfortunately. The text of the Kerry Lugar bill is a testament to this issue: “ceasing support, including by any elements within the Pakistan military or its intelligence agency, to extremist and terrorist groups, particularly to any group” This has weakened Pakistan’s international position. And the government needs to explain how it has blundered on this account by exposing its security operatus.

 

Secondly the issue of nuclear monitoring is unacceptable to any nationalist Pakistani. The Kerry Lugar bill mandates that Pakistan should provide US “relevant information from or direct access to Pakistani nationals associated with such networks” This clearly insinuates access to Dr AQ Khan or any other individual which is unacceptable as a policy.

 

The guarantee that terrorism emanating out of India and Afghanistan which destabilizes Pakistan should be controlled is missing in the bill thus making the bill one sided.

 

The Pak government needs to explain whether the Kerry Lugar legislation is only for civilian projects or will it include police reform, equipment and training of upto $100mm. Moreover how much of the funds will be funneled back to the US in the form of administrative expenses of federal departments and agencies needs to be explained as well.

 

It is not clear how US has been given jurisdiction to decide that “the security forces of Pakistan are not materially and substantially subverting the political or judicial processes of Pakistan.” Are they going to check with parliament of Pakistan? What is the procedure accepted by Pak govt for this condition?

 

These issues and many others of actual usage of these funds need to be debated in parliament. The projects decided need to be approved by Pakistan’s parliament so that no chance of irregularities as seen in Benazir Income Support Program are repeated. The aid given in the Kerry Lugar Bill is miniscule compared to what has been offered by US to its other allies. Any compromise on our sovereignty is unacceptable.

 

press

September 17, 2009 K2/Khabrain/ Jinnah/ Jang/ Nawa-e-Waqat/ Express Gilgit-Baltistan should be given Provisional Provincial Status: PML PML Incharge Marvi Memon said people of Gilgit Baltistan should be given their rights and it can only be done through giving Gilgit Baltistan provisional provincial status or Azad Kashmir setup, people of Gilgit Baltistan reject every other solution. She said if Gilgit Baltistan is given provisional provincial status it will not affect Kashmir issue. After independence people of Gilgit Baltistan declared their accession to Pakistan so therefore it is useless to say that it will affect Kashmir issue. Leadership of PML Ch. Imtiaz Ranjha, ex-advisor Ibrahim Sanai and Amna Ansari was also present there. Marvi Memon said that during National Assembly Standing Committee on KANA Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas Kaira promised to bring better package for Gilgit Baltistan than our bill and in that package people would be given more rights but when that package finally came out it proved that it took away all those rights which were previously given to the people of Gilgit Baltistan. In our bill we demanded seats for Gilgit Baltistan in National Assembly and Senate. We now demand that people of Gilgit Baltistan should be given representation in National Assembly and Senate. Marvi Memon said ruler party has started pre-poll rigging. She said election through their own governor instead of caretaker govt is ludicrous. She said posting and transfers happening in govt’s departments to rig elections. PPP wants to have its govt in Gilgit Baltistan through force. She said people of Gilgit Baltistan have rejected the present package. Pakistan Muslim League will contest elections on the basis of its performance. International observers should be invited to observe elections. She said taxation without giving representation at center is inequitable. Neither political parties nor Gilgit Baltistan representatives were taken on board in preparation of this package. Marvi Memon said this package will increase the sense deprivation of the people which they have been facing since 62 years. In a meeting with Prime Minister with member of Legislative Assembly on 14 July 2009 Prime Minister assured us to take PML and members Legislative Assembly on board in making of this package but present govt dishonored its assurances. Package has neither constitutional protection nor it is implemented through Act of Parliament. Package has neither given provincial nor Azad Kashmir setup to Gilgit Baltistan. She said Gilgit Baltistan is still kept under control of KANA ministry, only changed the names from KANA ministry to Gilgit Baltistan ministry but powers are still with Federation. She said Legislative Assembly could amend 82 laws which have now reduced. 5 seats at Assembly have been reduced which is unjust. In reply to a question she said Council has been given all rights and it has turned representatives of people more powerless. There will be 8 members from center in Council and it will strengthen the control of center. People representatives have been deliberately given less powers which will increased the sense of depravation of these people of Gilgit Baltistan. She said changing the name of Gilgit Baltistan is a very good initiative of this package; same govt has given back the name which changed it in Zulfiqar Bhutto’s govt. BISP forms were distributed discriminately and were distributed through non elected people. She said President Musharraf gave many development projects to this area and they have brought revolutionary political and economic changes in the live of people. Today PPP is doing politics on the reforms which President Musharraf introduced. ZTBL and SME loans and interests were waived but they have not taken any step in this regard. Hunza Nagar subdivision issue is still pending. Taxation without representation is undemocratic; it should be done after giving Gilgit Baltistan representation in Parliament. Gilgit-Baltistan package regressive: PML-Q leader The News Thursday, September 17, 2009 ISLAMABAD: PML-Q legislator Marvi Memon on Wednesday raised questions about the federal government’s Gilgit-Baltistan package, alleging the package was “regressive” rather than progressive and had no constitutional cover. Addressing a press conference here at the PML House, MNA Marvi Memon dubbed the appointment of Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira as the Acting Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan a huge question mark over the sincerity of the government to give autonomy to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. She suggested that the governor should have been a local rather than a sitting minister of the federal government, which according to her, was a violation of Article 103 (2) of the Constitution. “Under the said clause, an individual can either retain his membership of National Assembly or become a governor,” she opined. Flanked by former members of the Northern Areas Legislative Assembly (NALA) Amna Ansari and others, Marvi said this appointment would further deepen the sense of deprivation among the people of Northern Areas. “Instead of Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment Order, a constitutional cover should have been given for the package through an act of parliament after consultations with all political parties. Despite of the commitment made by the PM to us on May 14 that consultations on GB package would be held with the PML and NALA, this never happened,” she alleged. “The package is neither AJK-like structure nor a provisional provincial set-up. The proposed GB council will have 8 of 15 members from the Federation, which is perpetually going to put the GB elected representatives in minority,” she opined. She also questioned the government’s decision to retain the suo moto notice powers of the GB Supreme Appellate Court. “The local government system was kept intact since it had been won by PPP members. Moreover, BISP forms were distributed to the non-elected members of GB,” she said. Daily Times September 17, 2009 ‘Q’ rejects package on Gilgit-Baltistan * Claims Kaira’s appointment as governor first step towards pre-poll rigging By Irfan Ghauri ISLAMABAD: Rejecting the federal government’s Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-governance Order 2009, the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) on Wednesday criticised Qamar Zaman Kaira’s appointment as governor, claiming it would lead to pre-poll rigging. Addressing a press conference at PML House, PML-Q Gilgit-Baltistan in-charge Marvi Memon said the package should have been implemented through an act of parliament after consultation with all political parties. Massive rigging: She said people of the area felt the government had imposed governor’s rule in the province by appointing a non-local to the post. She claimed people were already apprehensive this would lead to rigging of the legislative assembly elections scheduled for November 12. She alleged that Kaira’s appointment, as governor, was unacceptable because he was a Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) minister, adding a neutral governor should have been appointed in the caretaker setup. She said holding the offices of governor and minister simultaneously was not allowed under Article 103(2) of the constitution. She said that unlike the PML-Q government, the PPP government’s package would have eight of the 15 members of the Northern Areas Council appointed through the federal government, ensuring the elected representatives would be in the minority. She said the issue of autonomy was still not being addressed, as the government had merely renamed the Kashmir Affairs and Northern Affairs Ministry as the Gilgit-Baltistan Ministry. She claimed the new package had also removed the suo motu powers of the Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court. Marvi alleged the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) forms had been distributed in Gilgit-Baltistan through non-elected members to buy votes for the ruling party. She claimed the government was transferring bureaucrats in each district of Gilgit-Baltistan to favour the PPP in the upcoming polls. Daily Times September 16, 2009 International Day of Democracy: Kaira’s appointment as governor ‘murder of democracy’: Marvi Says constitution doesn’t allow sitting MNAs to become governors By Mahtab Bashir ISLAMABAD: Appointment of Kamar Zaman Kaira as acting governor of Gilgit-Baltistan amounts to ‘murder of democracy’ because he is a PPP member, said Marvi Memon, a PML-Q MNA, on Tuesday. Kaira, she said, held portfolios of minister for information and KANA and during his one-and-a-half years development process came to a halt. According to constitution, an MNA could not hold become a governor simultaneously and in Kaira’s case, the constitution had been overstepped, she said. She was speaking at an interactive meeting titled ‘Role of Political Parties, Media and Civil Society to Build a Democratic Pakistan’ at SAFMA Media Centre. South Asian Women in Media (SAWM) Islamabad Chapter conducted the event to mark ‘International Day of Democracy’. Memon said no consensus was developed in the parliament or between political parties on governorship of Kaira. “When we talk about democratic values, we have to differentiate civilian dictatorship from military dictatorship. Under present government set-up, there’s no democratic mechanism,” she said. Involvement of masses in making decisions was essence of democracy, which was missing in present scenario, she said. She said removal of local government (LG) system was a wrong step taken by the present government. She said under Pervez Musharraf, PML-Q had made reforms for Gilgit-Baltistan. People of Gilgit-Baltistan had criticised Kaira’s appointment since he was not a local who could understand their problems, she said. Zafar Ali Shah: Senator Syed Zafar Ali Shah said different rulers experimented different things in the name of democracy. “Democracy is a system to patience, representation and tolerance,” he said. Shah said rule of law could only be implemented in its true essence, if judiciary and media were free. “We have to accept minorities rights and accept them as Pakistan’s citizens to let democratic process flourish,” the senator said. Bushra Gohar: Bushra Gohar, an ANP MNA, said people of Pakistan were going through a democratic process rejecting Musharraf’s dictatorial rule, which ruined the institutions. In development of political system, political parties, media and civil society’s role could not be ignored, she added. “It is vital for all political parties to make consensus on all major issues and resolve them amicably,” she said. She said in Pakistan, unfortunately, common man had not been given his right to reject political actors. Dawn Sep 11, 2009 Education policy offers little for seminary reform Madressah reform has long been a burning issue. Former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf attempted to bring these institutions into mainstream, but failed because he lacked credibility with the Wafaqul Madaris. Marvi Memon of the PML-Q said the targets set under the new policy were good, but without a proper strategy and funding plan they were meaningless. It sounded good that seven per cent of the GDP would be spent on the education sector to achieve an 85 per cent literacy rate, but without a plan the target would not be realised, she added. She said madressah reform should be an integral part of the education policy. “The responsibility of successful negotiations with the Wafaqul Madaris lies with political parties having a religious base.” According to the new policy, the madressah education authority should be given the mandate to provide an opportunity for all existing and future madressahs to improve their standards. Daily Times August 31st, 2009 PML rejects reforms package for NAs Rejecting the government’s self-governance reforms package for the Northern Areas, Pakistan Muslim League lawmaker Marvi Memon objected to the appointment of the Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira as acting governor for Gilgit-Baltistan and announced that her party would file a privilege motion against him in the National Assembly. Memon claimed in a statement that the government did not consult her party over the reform. She also claimed that the prime minister did not honour his commitment with the PML chief for Gilgit-Baltistan that the Northern Areas Legislative Assembly would be taken into confidence ahead of the finalization of the package. She said the National Assembly’s standing committees on the Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas and Northern Areas Legislative Assembly were the proper forums to get democratic approval for the package. K2 August 30, 2009 Governor Rule in the name of package, people get nothing: Marvi Memon Member National Assembly Marvi Memon said present government has imposed governor rule in the guise of reform package. She said there is noting given to people in this package but mere names were changed. While commenting on package she said there is no difference between package announced by former President Gen Musharaf and announced by present government, only names are being changed. She said they were not taken into confidence before announcing package, she said this package is a joke with people. She said PML is the only major party which has never been taken into confidence. She said they will summon PML session within few days and will finalize future strategy. She said they will not put up with this mockery and said government should be ready to give us solid answer, we will respond after consultation with people she said.

 

press

K2 29th Aug, 2009 Gilgit Baltistan should be given the representation in parliament: Ahsan Iqbal, Marvi Memon It is decided in PPP and N-leagues’ combined package to give the same rights to Gilgit Baltistan as given to other parts of the country. We will not accept any such set up for Gilgit Baltistan in which representation is not given to the people. We believe that government will fulfill its commitments. Islamabad: PML-Q Gilgit Baltitsan Inchrage MNA Marvi Memon said that we will not accept any such set up for Gilgit Baltistan in which these areas are not given the representation in National Assembly and Senate. Implementing its commitments, Government should bring them in national setup. While talking to KPN she said that Chariman GB Qamar-ul Zaman told in NA Standing Committee Session that this package will be better than the bill presented by Marvi Memon in NA. Prior PM Yousaf Raza Gilani assured in his meeting with Legislative Assembly Representatives that the package will be finalized with the consultation of NA members. I hope that government will fulfill its commitments and will announce the representation of these areas in NA and Senate. While answering a question, she said that PML-Q is the largest political party of Gilgit Baltistan and has the majority in legislative assembly. Despite of this fact we have not been taken in confidence and we condemn it. She said that we have this stance since the beginning that in order to include these areas in national setup, they should be given the representation in NA and Senate along with the provincial setup. If current government is serious about bringing the reforms in these areas then it should uphold to its commitments. GB should be given the representation in parliament. A setup against the Public demand will not be acceptable. We still believe that the government will implement its commitments and then it will announce the package. She said that we cannot comment until the package is officially announced. She also said that we will support a setup which is according to the public demands and which gives the representation in parliament. We will announce future setup after consulting the elected representatives of GB.

 

———-

Nawa-i -Waqt:                 29, August 2009
 
Country will turn into a police state by the approval of Cyber Crime Act.
Some articles differ from basic human rights: Reservations of members of National Assembly.
New bill has been submitted in National Assembly, Q-League and MQM agreed upon it: Marvi
For the Prevention of the Electronic Crime Ordinance (PECO) 2009 group of PML-N, PML-Q and MQM members Advocate Anusha Rehman, Marvi Memon, Haider Abbas Rizvi, Khurram Dastagir and Begum Attiya Anayat Ullah expressed their reservations.
According to them some articles are contradictory to basic human rights. Concept of Cyber Crime in Ordinance is loosely defined. And this in its current form will lead to punishment of innocent people who can be picked up on the allegation of terrorist intent. This ordinance will turn Pakistan in to a police state. This act is well mentioning that this ordinance was brought before one day of the National Assembly Session and the signatories of the resolution have protested against its re-promulgation. They said although law was necessary but this law should have to be based upon the suggestions and proposals of the stakeholders and especially on the members of the civil society.
Advocate Anusha Rahman Khan and Marvi Memon have proposed an alternative legislation instead of Prevention of Electronic Crime Ordinance 2009 and submitted it to the National Assembly Secretariat by the name of Cyber Crimes Act 2009 and this bill will be presented any day on a private members day. Marvi Memon told “Nawa-i-Waqt that there is assent between PML-N and PML-Q regarding this bill.

 

19 aug

News item for web

Nawa-e-Waqat

August 19^th, 2009

 

 

Census should be conducted in country, Marvi Memon raised point of order

 

PML MNA Marvi Memon asked govt to conduct census while raising point of order. Deputy Speaker said that the issue could not be raised as point of order and asked her to bring resolution on it. Marvi Memon replied that she had that resolution in her hand with signatures of 50 members. Mulana Fazlul Rehman, ANP and other parties are supporting this resolution which demands census she said. Moreover it is said in this resolution that irrespective of the situation there should be census conducted in the country. Marvi Memon raised this point of order in the presences of Prime Minister and Prime Minister replied it in his speech. Later on Marvi Memon came up to Prime Minister’s chair and talked to him.

 

 

Express

August 19^th, 2009

 

US is sending thousands of marines: Marvi Memon

 

PML MNA Marvi Memon said that the people of Peshawar have recorded their statement that they are irritated with the activities of this company (CAII) employees. She said now America is sending thousands of marines to Islamabad.

 

dawn

SLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-Q announced on Wednesday that it would launch a countrywide campaign against the government’s plan to wrap up the local government system.

A PML-Q convention attended by councillors and nazims from Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi and Attock divisions decided to act against the government plan to appoint administrators in place of Nazims or to postpone local bodies elections.

The convention, presided over by the party’s Punjab president Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, adopted a resolution rejecting dissolution of the local bodies, delay in fresh elections and revival of commissionerate system.

It said: ‘We will come out on the road to resist the winding up of local bodies and retaliate if any illegal action is taken against elected nazims.’

A procession of hundreds of PML-Q workers, chanting slogans in support of the Chaudhry brothers, reached the convention venue.

Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said the so-called champions of democracy were trying to kill what he termed true nurseries of democracy and take control of local issues by removing about 95,000 nazims and councillors.

He asked bureaucracy to refrain from obeying illegal orders of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. He alleged that the chief minister had diverted funds meant for education and health and Zakat to his ‘sasti roti’ scheme.

The PML-Q Secretary General Mushahid Hussain Sayed, the party’s secretary general for Punjab Chaudhry Zaheeruddin, MNAs Sheikh Waqas Akram, Ghaus Bakhsh Mehr and Marvi Memon, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s MNA Wasim Akhtar also attended the convention

 

press

K-2 11th Aug. 2009 Marvi Memon submitted privilege motion against the distribution of Benazir Income Support form on political basis Forms are distributed undemocratically in Gilgit Baltistan, political terms were prioritized, take back these forms Undemocratic process to distribute the forms is a preparation for cheating before legislative elections: Marvi Memon’s point of view MNA Mrvi Memon submitted privilege motion against the distribution of Nenazir Income Support Form through party incumbents in Gilgit Baltistan. She said that Benzir Income Support Form are distributed through undemocratic means in Gilgit Baltistan and unlike other provinces, are distributed through party incumbents instead of parliament so the forms distributed by others instead of legislative assembly members should be taken back. She has the point o view that 8000 forms are distributed across the country through parliamentarians of all the parties. This process was an act of distribution by parliamentarians on nonpolitical basis through democratic means while in Gilgit Baltistan, the forms are distributed on political basis instead of legislative assembly members. PPP committed this act to get the votes in those areas. To distribute the forms in these areas unlike the form distribution process in country, legislative assembly members have been dealt with undemocratic means. She stated that this undemocratic process is the preparation of cheating before legislative assembly elections. She urged to reject or take back these forms which are distributed on political basis instead of assembly members in Gilgit Baltistan. Nawa-e-Waqt Aug 11th ,2009 Govt should take steps to stop Indian interference. Marvi She said for last one and a half year political and economic instability in Balochistan is due to lack of connivance and actions towards these problems by the current Govt. Zardari who is now talking about dialogue he should have talked about this before and the result of these so-called dialogues should have to be presented in front of the parliament. In camera briefing is requisite to the parliament of the threat about separatist movements and international interference in Balochistan. Govt should start Dosar diplomacy without delay so that Indian interference should be stopped and evidence regarding Indian interference should be provided in front of the world. She demanded Govt to call All Parties Conference (APC) on Balochistan who should find out feasible solution for the reality of resources. Balochitsan should be given legal part in NFC and correct formula should be prepared for it. Concurrent list should be eradicated. Nawa-e-Waqt Aug 11th ,2009 “Daughter has been burnt for the insurance money”. Women appealed in the gallery I am PPP worker but could not get justice. Shamim to Nawa-e-Waqt PML Marvi Memon took Interior Minister Rehman Malik, other lady workers and Shamim out of the National Assembly. Rehman Malik said to come into his office and she will be provided with full justice. Marvi Memon, Shireen Arshad, Nafisa Shah, Mehreen Anwar Raja , Fouzia Wahab, Bushra Gohar consoled the lady. Aug 11th ,2009 THE NEWS Marvi submits privilege motion in NA Islamabad: the PML-Q legislator, Marvi Memon. Monday submitted a privilege motion in the National Assembly Secretariat against Minister of Kashimir Affairs and Northern Areas Qamar Zaman Kaira and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Farzana Raja for alleged discrimination with elected representatives in distribution of BISP forms. She stated that the Northern Areas received 50,000 BISP forms from the government as per its own admission (reference letter sent to her by DG BISP dated August 4). She said as predicted, the procedure followed for distribution of these forms in the Northern Area was not the same as in rest of the country where these forms were distributed through elected representatives. She said only members of the Parliament (NA and senate).irrespective of party affiliations were given 8,000 forms each for distribution across the country. However, in the Northern Areas “these application forms were distributed through members of Northern Areas legislative Assembly, community leaders, civil society representatives and NGOs for these district wise committees were constituted by the federal minister for KANA in consultation with the chairperson BISP. The News, August 11, 2009 Marvi seeks in-camera briefing on Balochistan ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) legislator Marvi Memon on Monday demanded of the government to hold an in-camera briefing on the separatist movement and foreign interference in Balochistan. Talking to The News, she said Balochistan’s political and economic deterioration during last one and a half years was the result of the government’s inaction and indecision. “President Asif Ali Zardari’s call for starting dialogue should have been given one and a half years ago. Parliament should be informed about the results of this so-called dialogue,” she added. She said foreign interference had resulted in acceleration of the separatist movement. “An urgent ‘dossier diplomacy’ is required by the government to counter Indian efforts of interference and destabilising Pakistan so that the international community is given dossiers on Indian involvement,” she added. Marvi also demanded of the government to convene an All Parties Conference on Balochistan. She said the government should hold a discussion on the implementation of the PML-Q report on provincial harmony as presented to the Senate. She asked the government to give immediate attention to calls for an independent council for Balochistan. She said the government needed to explain why its strategy of dialogue had failed. She was of the view that all governments were responsible for the discontentment in Balochistan, but the current government would be held responsible, if Pakistan had to face the embarrassment of a Baloch exile government. The government should fulfil its responsibility to hold the federation intact instead of watching helplessly attacks being made on the federation. Corruption charges to divert attention August 11, 2009 The News ISLAMABAD: PML-Q on Monday dared the ruling party to bring a resolution against Pervez Musharraf if it considers him responsible for present crisis while the government faced serious corruption charges from opposition benches on floor of the National Assembly. The challenge came from PML-Q parliamentary leader Makhdoom Faisal Saleh Hayat when Minister In-Charge of the Cabinet Secretariat Dr Babar Awan while responding to a calling attention notice, said the Musharraf government was responsible for present state of economy of the country and destroying institutions. A news item that appeared in ‘The News’ regarding alleged corruption in PIA, FBR, Pakistan Steel and another institution was made basis of the calling attention notice. Dr Babar Awan said it has happened for the first time that an item appearing in a newspaper has been made basis of this notice. He said what appeared in the paper is a personal opinion and newspaper reports and rumours cannot be made basis for the allegation of ‘generalized corruption’. “This is a slander against these institutions,” he added. Babar Awan said when such allegations are levelled against a government and a system, which is working smoothly, then it only goes on to suggest that there are some hidden motives behind such moves. He said the real corruption was started during Musharraf time, when NAB’s black laws were implemented and people were forced to change their loyalties and a coup was staged against a democratic government. He said under the dreaded NAB laws, the people stopped depositing their money in the banks and the banks also refused to give loans. Babar Awan also said that under Circular 29, the Musharraf government wrote off loans worth billions of rupees. “The present government has checked corruption and destruction of institutions which the country faced during Musharraf tenure,” Babar Awan said. On that Faisal Saleh Hayat who was also cabinet member in PML-Q government, asked the government to bring a resolution against Musharraf in the National Assembly to demand his trial under Article 6 of the Constitution if it (government) considers him responsible for ruining the country. “I challenge the government to bring the resolution against Musharraf if it has any moral courage to do so,” Faisal said. PML-Q parliamentary leader questioned as to why the government kept silent on Musharraf’s trial during its first 16 months of its tenure. “They themselves are big fraud,” he said. The PML-Q members including Faisal Saleh Hayat, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Engineer Amir Muqam, Mrs Bushra Rehman and Miss Marvi Memon through calling attention notice invited attention of the minister to alleged corruption in a number of government institutions and public sector organizations. Minister-in-Charge of the Cabinet Secretariat Dr Babar Awan took exception to the calling attention notice saying that it had been drafted on the basis of mere a news clipping having no specific but generalized allegations. “These allegations are conspiracy against government institutions and public sector organizations of the country,” he said. Dr Babar Awan pointed out that such allegations are being levelled at a time when the Supreme Court of Pakistan gave a historical verdict against Pervez Musharraf. “Just look at the timing when such allegations are being levelled against the government institutions having no basis or evidence,” he said. The minister said such conspiracies are being hatched when the whole nation is demanding to bring Musharraf to the court of law saying the government knows as to which hands are behind all this. “This is being done to divert attention from the main issue of dictator like Pervez Musharraf,” Babar Awan said. He said the government would strongly defend fake and fabricated corruption charges against it and its institutions. “The concerned ministers will reply to the corruption charges against ministries and institutions as the government believes in free and transparent flow of information,” he said. In the process, Dr Babar Awan and Faisal Saleh Hayat exchanged hot words and the deputy speaker Faisal Karim Kundi had to expunge some unparliamentary words used by PML-Q member. Raising a question on the call notice, Riaz Hussain Pirzada said undue favour while making appointments also is also defined as corruption. He was referring to appointment of chairman of Federal Board of Revenue. On that, Dr Babar Awan, said that if it was considered to be an undue favour, any official of the department could move the court against appointment. Amir Muqam alleged that Rs1,500 bribe was taken for issuance of each cheque of Rs5,000 by deserving persons by Baitul Mal. He said various agents were also moving around to sell Rs25,000 cheques meant for IDPs of Malakand divison. Dr Babar Awan maintained that the system of Baitul Mal and release of financial assistance to IDPs has been very fair and transparent. Miss Marvi Memon pointed out that Pakistan Steel was functioning below its capacity and facing liabilities of Rs21 billion. Dr Babar Awan said the question which is based on the news item contained generalized allegations of corruption. “I am ready to reply to any specific charge of corruption,” he said. He said that the present government had made Pakistan Steel functional while the previous government had destroyed the organization. Aug 11th, 2009 DAWN Distribution of BISP forms in Northern Areas questioned by Iftikhar A Khan Islamabad, Aug 10: Pakistan Muslim League (PML) lawmaker Marvi Memn has questioned what she called the discriminatory mode of distribution of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) forms in the Northern Areas. Talking to DAWN on Monday, she said the Northern Areas received 50,000 BISP forms from the government as per ts own admission. The procedure followed for the distribution of these forms was not the same as that being followed in the rest of Pakistan. Ms Memon she has also submitted a privilege motion on the subject with the National Assembly Secretariat. She said in the rest of the Pakistan, only members of the Parliament, irrespective of party affiliation, were given 8,000 forms each. Quoting a letter written to her by BISP Director General, she said in the Northern Areas “these application forms were distributed through members of Northern Areas Legislative Assembly, community leaders, civil society representatives and NGOs. “for this district wise committees were constituted by the federal minister KANA in consultation with the chairperson BSP.” Ms Memon said this was a gross form of political bribery that took place in Northern Area, as instead of forms been given to Parliamentarians alone other people were obliged. “This we consider tantamount to PPP wanting of favor its own people or create its own vote bank through these forms.” Considering the fact that discrimination took place in Northern Areas, it is a breach of every parliamentarian’s privilege. In view of this gross breach of privilege of all parliamentarians of Pakistan, I would like all those forms distributed via any person other then parliamentarians in Northern Areas in the past to be drawn. “in the future, the same methodology be applied to Northern Areas as it is being applied to rest of Pakistan.” Ms Memon privilege motions read. ——— PAKISTNA, ISLAMABAD: Bill to protect the rights of females at the work places, especially in government offices was introduced on Tuesday in the National Assembly. MNA Khalida Mansoor introduced the bill to amend the Civil Servants Act, 1973 (The Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2009). (Amendment of Section 10). Elaborating the features of the bill, she said that females working in different government offices often face inconvenience due to one or the other reason. It has observed that the females posted far from their home often resign from their posts or take long leave, she said adding that the bill will protect their rights at the work places. Meanwhile, Yasmeen Rehman, Mir Munawar Ali Talpur, Sher Muhammad Baloch, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho and Abdul Qadir Patel introduced a bill to extend certain facilities to disabled persons,(The Disability Concessions Card Bill, 2009). Yasmeen Rehman said that a special card should be issued to disabled persons to get facilities at bus stands, banks and other places. The Minister for Social Welfare Samina Khalid Ghurki said that her Ministry is already issuing card to disabled persons. She suggested that the bill should be referred to concerned committee for further discussion. Begum Ishrat Ashraf, Tasneem Siddiqui, Shaikh Rohale Asghar and Muhammad Arshad Khan Leghari introduced a bill to amend the Banking Companies Ordinance, 1962 [the Banking Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2009] (Insertion of new sections 18A, 18B, 18C.etc). MNA Ishrat Ashraf, said there were a number of lacunas in the 1962 Ordinance to improve the banking system. She said, this amendment would help end problems of consumers besides simplifying the procedure of banks. Dr. Attiya Inayatullah introduced a bill to amend the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 [The Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Bill, 2009]. While, a bill moved by PML-Q MNa Marvi Memon seeking amendment in Articles 175, 186A, 198 and 218 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was deferred. ——— ISLAMABAD: The parliamentary leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) Faisal Saleh Hayat has alleged the government of availing the lion’s share of benefits provided through National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) therefore it is second to impossible for it to take any legal action against former president Pervez Musharraf. To a news conference together with members national assembly Ameer Muqam and Marvi Memon here at PML-Q House, Faisal said PML-Q will respond to parliamentary resolution against Musharraf if it is tabled in National Assembly. He said a Parliamentary Committee comprising two-third opposition members will be constituted for assessment of Rental Power Projects (RPPs).

 

press

QUETTA: Hundreds of nazims and councillors at a convention on Saturday called upon the government to refrain from abolishing the local government system.

The National Convention on Local Government System, organised by Quetta’s district nazim Mir Maqbool Lehri, urged President Asif Ali Zardari to direct the government to announce schedule for local bodies’ elections.

The convention was addressed by National Reconstruction Bureau’s former chairman Daniyal Aziz, PML-Q’s MNA Marvi Memon and district nazims of Quetta, Qila Abdullah, Kharan, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Sukkur and Khanewal.

The speakers announced that they would resist appointment of administrators in place of nazims.

They said that if the government believed in democracy it should hold election to local bodies without delay, adding that the move to abolish the system was a conspiracy hatched by those political forces which cannot face voters.

They asked the PPP and PML-N leaders to fulfil their promises they had made in the Charter of Democracy regarding the local bodies system.

Mr Aziz said that the present local government system protected rights of citizens. Ms Memon said her party would continue raising voice in support of the LG system.

The district nazim of Quetta said that local government representatives would not accept supremacy of bureaucracy.

According to a resolution, the convention resolved to take legal steps to protect political and administrative rights of local governments.

The resolution rejected the government’s move to appoint administrators in place of nazims and said that nazims and councillors would not accept suspension of their powers and bureaucratic interference in their affairs.

The convention decided to launch a nationwide campaign to create awareness about the benefits of local governments.

—————

QUETTA: Participants of the ‘National Convention on Local Government System’ demanded of the federal government on Saturday to continue with the LG system by holding elections after completion of its tenure.

The convention was held at the Quetta District Nazim office, which was attended by nearly all district, Tehsil and UC Nazims of Balochistan and some others.

Addressing the participants, former chairman National Reconstruction Bureau (NRB) Danial Aziz said that the present local government system gives protection to the rights of citizens. Criticising the proposed appointment of administrators after the completion of the present LG tenure, he said that they would not an alternative of the present LG system. Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid leader MNA Marvi Memon said that they would continue raising voice in support of the present LG system.

District Nazim Quetta Mir Maqbool Ahmed Lehri said that the convention had proved that the people wanted continuity of the present system. He said that LG representatives would not accept domination of bureaucracy. It was decided that the next convention would be held in Sukkur on August 13.

———–

Marvi Memon of the PML-Q brought up target killings in Balochistan, and condemned the killing of Balochistan minister Rustam Jamali in Karachi. She said the issue should be discussed thoroughly in parliament through an adjournment motion. dt
——

dawn 

Marvi Memon of the PML-Q said that a Chinese oil refinery was winding up its business from Gwadar while the US marines were planning to land in Islamabad, raising the strength of the US embassy staff to 1,000.

———

MNAs lambast government over power crisis

* Legislators express concern over power generation policy
* Power minister says rental power plants only way out of crisis in short term

By Irfan Ghauri

ISLAMABAD: The opposition and coalition partners alike criticised the Pakistan People’s Party-led government in the National Assembly on Tuesday as concerns over the power generation policy being pursued by the government overran the Lower House.

Participating in a debate on the worsening power crisis in the country, MNAs from both sides of the divide expressed concern over Power Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf’s assertion that rental power plants were the only short-term option in dealing with the shortage.

The majority of the members said that instead of acquiring power from rental stations, the government should settle circular debts and take steps to increase the generation capacity from existing sources – “which have more installed capacity than is currently required”.

Humayun Saifullah Khan, Asif Hasnain, Tawab, Muhammad Yousuf Talpur, Ayaz Amir, Sardar Salim Haider, Abdul Qadir, Khanzada, Tahira Aurangzeb, Marvi Memon, Khalida Mansoor and others participated in the debate. Defending the government’s policy, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Shaukat Tareen said there were only two options: “either we suffer at the hands of the power crisis or acquire power through rental plants on a short-term basis”. He said the rentals could be made operational in the shortest possible time, while other projects took three to five years before they started generating electricity. He said the government intended to form a strategy keeping in view the demand over the next three to five years, to prevent a similar crisis in future. Tareen said in addition to installing rental power plants, the government was working to add surplus power generated by the sugar and textile sectors to the national grid. He called for improvement in transmission system to help overcome about 30 percent losses. He said the elimination of line losses would allow the government to reduce the power tariff by 15 percent. The finance adviser said circular debts payable by the government to independent power producers would be cleared by the end of the current month, and hoped that the settlement would allow units to operate at full capacity. Tareen said an international company was about to launch 1,000 megawatt power project in Thar soon.

———

Ms. Marvi Memon Interview in Jinnah

 

We will oppose the NRO in Parliament. No hope for political approach in PML-N until Ammer-ul-Momineen is there in the party.

We will not let PPP and PML-N to get succeed in their two-party formula. Article-6 is not our problem. We will raise voice inside and outside the parliament in order to save local government system.

They are betraying people by the democratic slogan. There are civil dictators in both the parties.

We wish government to compete its term. We will resist if the people beneficiary articles are removed from 17^th amendment.

The politicians should stand beside in order to save the Local Government System. There is a democratic system present in Q-league. The dream to break the party will never come true. Self-centered people who have some personal or western agenda are opposing Ch.Shujaat.

We will win with vast majority in next elections. Government brought economic recession by changing our policy of micro-economic: Q-League MNA Marvi Memon’s interview to Jinnah Panel.

 

Islamabad (Panel Interview) PML-Q MNA Marvi Memon said that they will not let PPP and PML-N to get succeed in their two-party formula. She said that Artile-6 is not our problem. PML-Q will oppose the NRO in Parliament. Our party will raise voice, inside and outside the parliament, in order to save local government system. PML-N is up to the politics of revenge. Opposition leader is only the parliamentary leader of PML-N. we want to abolish the 17^th amendment. We wish government to complete its legal term. Charter of Democracy is an agreement between two political parties. It cannot be given any legal status. There is no hope for political approach in PML-N until Ammer-ul-Momineen is there in the party. PML will maintain its status and will win with vast majority in next elections. If the current government had followed our policies then the country would not have to face such depression, she expressed her views while giving the interview to Jinnah panel. She said that number of political parties is a distinguished feature of parliamentary system. We will not let PPP and PML-N to get succeed in their two-party formula. There are civil dictators in both the parties. They are betraying people by the democratic slogan. There is no hope for political approach in PML-N until Ammer-ul-Momineen is there in the party.  Opposition leader does not represent all the parties. He is only the parliamentary leader of PML-N.

MNA Marvi Memon said that article-6 is not our problem. Development is not possible until the politics of revenge is there. All political parties need to reconcile for the sake of Pakistan. LG system should not bear the consequences of revenge politics. It is a comprehensive democratic system and many politicians in parliament are the product of this system so they should join hands to save the System.  She said that PML-Q will raise voice inside and outside the parliament in order to save the LG system. The 17^th amendment should be abolished but we will resist if the people beneficiary articles are removed from 17^th amendment. Our government has the honour of legalizing the women rights in 51% women populated state. We gave women 33% representation in parliament. PML opposes the midterm election. We want the government to complete its term so people come to know about their dictatorship. PML is a democratic party and leader is chosen through elections. Some self-centered people, who have some personal or western agenda, are opposing Ch. Shujaat Hussain but we will not let the party break. Alliances are made in politics but we will retain our individual status. We will come back with vast majority in next elections under the leadership of Ch. Shujaat Hussain. Government brought economic recession by changing our micro-economic policy.

 

Young parliamentarians should change their thinking for state development: Marvi

PML-MNA Marvi Memon said that young parliamentarians change their thinking so they can play their part in state development. People have many expectations from young parliamentarians. They should disappoint the politics of revenge in their respective parties. They should develop the constructive politics in order to raise the living standard of people. She said that young parliamentarians have to play their role to strengthen the democracy in Pakistan and to get the status in international community.

 

 

There is make-up politics (Surkhi-Powder politics) going on in parliament: Marvi Memon

PML MNA Marvi memon said that our party has the honour to give the women, who comprise 51% population, 33% representation in parliament but now make-up politics (Surkhi-Powder politics) is going on in current parliament. There is no development for women welfare. She said that women parliamentarians should improve the women organization caucus in parliament, which is the best platform for women welfare, and they should play their role for women welfare and women rights in order to save them from discrimination.

 

news

6th Aug 2009

 

• Babar Awan speaks for Amin Faheem. PML Faisal Saleh Hayat and Marvi Memon protested. Dept Speaker scolds Marvi Memon. (Nawa-e Waqt)
• Islamabad High Court should be restored by constitution and not the ordinance. MNA Marvi Memon. (Khabrain)
• Saleh Zafar: Parliament diary: Faisal saleh Hayat, Syed Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Marvi Memon demands for government’s clarification on its point of view regarding NRO n other ordinance  indicated by SC.(Jang)

• In another written reply to a question by Marvi Memon of PML-Q, the Minster said that various meetings were held with the provincial governments and law-enforcement agencies to evolve a strategy to control the sectarian and ethnic incidents in the month of Moharram-ul-Haram. He said that activities of Afghan Boys (ATBs), returnees from Afghan Prisoners released from jails of Guantanamo Bay and sectarian prisoners released from jails and publication/distribution of hate material were being closely monitored.(The Nation)

 

5^th Aug 2009

 

• Bill presented by Marvi Memon and Hanif Abbasi rejected.(Khabrain)
• Saleh zafar: Paliment Diary: Marvi Memon proposed the bill for amendments in constitution but bill was rejected. (Jang)
• MNA Marvi Memon and Hanif Abbasi presented the bill for amendments in constitution but bill was rejected. (Daily Express)
• Marvi Memon protests in assembly on rejection of bill proposed for amendments in constitution of Pakistan. (Jinnah)
• Parliament Diary: Marvi memon demands for clarification on PM statement for providing India the evidences on its interference in Balochistan but nobody answered. (Nawa-e Waqt)

 

bill

NA rejects bill seeking establishment of ’Council on Principles of Policy’

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly during its session on Tuesday rejected a bill unanimously moved by the opposition seeking establishment of Council on Principles of Policy to review the performance of the government and resolve the masses problems.

PML-Q MNA Marvi Memon requested the speaker to allow her to table the amendment bill in article 40 of the Constitution, which the Parliamentary Affairs Minister Babar Awan opposed and said presently the joint parliamentary committee was working on constitutional reforms and, therefore, the MNA should send recommendations to the committee.

 

electricity

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Tuesday took up debate on the power crisis in the country as the members called for effectively tackling the issue not only to facilitate the people but also the industrial sector.

Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf supported the motion, moved by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan, saying that the input from the members will further enlighten him on the issue.

The members said that the power crisis has gripped the entire country and it was also badly affecting the industrial sector and their exports have also dropped.

Abdul Qadir Khanzada expressed his concern over the proposed increase of 17 percent in power rates in Karachi.

He said the Chief Minister and the Governor have constituted separate committees to overcome load shedding but so far their meetings have yielded no result.

Tahir Aurangzeb said that due to high electricity rates, Pakistan’s exports in the international market were no more competitive as China and India were competing with lower prices and better quality.

Maulana Asmatullah said in his constituency thousands of acres of land was lying barren due to non-availability of electricity.

Humayun Saifullah said that rental power plants owners will reap huge profits for the time they will be in the country and once their contract period expires will take those plants with them.

He said the government should come up with a strategy so that it could install its own rentals.

Syed Asif Hasnain said that 8 to 10 hours of load shedding was being carried out in Karachi and other industrial cities of Punjab.

He said people would not be able to afford the expensive electricity from rentals.

Ayaz Amir said the government should inform the house about the installed hydel capacity of the power plants which are idle.

Nawab Yousuf Talpur said that agriculture was suffering due to frequent power breakdowns.

Marvi Memon said people should be billed correctly as some people with low income were getting inflated electricity bills.

Khalida Mansoor said load shedding is a challenge to the present government and resolving this important issue should be its top priority.

She said special focus should be on prevention of line losses.

Syed Haider Ali Shah said in NWFP small issues like non-availability of transformers and stoppage of construction work on grid stations despite availability of funds, were further compounding the power shortage in the province.

Taking part in the debate, MNA Syed Tayyub Hussain underlined the need for setting up more power generating units at the earliest to overcome the prevailing electricity shortage.

He opposed the transfer of some power plants to other cities, adding, “it is not justified and proper solution to the problem.”

MNA Shahzada Mohiuddin informed the House about the power situation in Chitral and its adjoining areas.

He said 2MW electricity was being produced in two towns of Chitral, which has come down to 600KW due to some technical fault in the power generating units.

He requested the Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf for immediate removal of the fault and installation of new generators.

Mohiuddin said work on 106MW power project for Chitral be expedited to meet growing energy demand in the area.

Sheikh Aftab was of the view that with the adoption and implementation of an effective strategy, load-shedding duration could be brought down to 2-3 hours.

He called for construction of small dams to generate hydel electricity as the crisis is badly affecting the industrial sector, which has direct impact on the country’s exports and economy.

The MNA stressed to review the existing power management policy, adding that an effective planning and some basic changes in the strategy would improve the power situation.

He said it is collective responsibility of parliamentarians to give positive suggestions to steer the country out of problem.

He said the government must ensure to end load-shedding by end of this year.

MNA Nawab Abdul Ghani Talpur said closed power generating units in Lakhra area of Jamshoro, Sindh must be made functional and 80MW power generating plant should not be shifted to Faisalabad.

He said the government should take over the control of Karachi Electricity Supply Corporation to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity to consumers.

MNA Sardar Bahadar Khan Sehar said it is a fact that the present government is not responsible for the prevailing power crisis in the country. But, it should evolve an effective strategy to overcome the shortage, he added.

He said it seemed difficult that the government would be able to end load-shedding by end of the current year.

Sardar Bahadar expressed the concern that the government has not allocated sufficient funds in Public Sector Development Programme for construction of new water reservoirs.