From Dawn · News Desk | Syed Irfan Raza · · 2m
Bilawal urges Achakzai to use authority delegated by Imran
PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari demands opposition join parliamentary committees to address electoral reforms.
In brief
PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari demands opposition join parliamentary committees to address electoral reforms. PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari urged opposition leader Achakzai to use authority delegated by Imran Khan to participate in parliamentary committees on electoral reforms. Originally reported by Dawn.
PPP chairman addresses National Assembly
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari urged National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai to use the 'authority and power' delegated to him by jailed PTI founder Imran Khan.
“If Parliament is powerful, we are all powerful; this is the power bestowed on us by the people of Pakistan.”
Bilawal calls for parliamentary unity
Bilawal urged the speaker and government to fulfill responsibilities and called on opposition to play its role in House committees.
“Those who want this House to remain dysfunctional and do not want the people of Pakistan to benefit from it have succeeded.”
Opposition boycott criticized
Bilawal criticized opposition for boycotting committee proceedings, saying it weakened Parliament.
“It is your responsibility to represent your party, the people and your constituencies in these committees.”
Electoral reforms committee urged
Bilawal asked Achakzai to nominate a representative to the electoral reforms committee and discuss rigging concerns.
“The opposition had described electoral rigging as its 'fundamental issue'.”
Parliamentary authority demanded
Bilawal demanded opposition participate in committee proceedings to address alleged rigging before next elections.
“If we make efforts to bring all stakeholders together in a committee... it will be pointless.”
Foreign ministry briefing requested
Bilawal called for foreign, interior and defense ministers to brief Parliament on maritime threats and Iran war implications.
“Tell this House about the potential threats facing Pakistan and the region, particularly as three key maritime routes are closed.”
PPP delegation meets Achakzai
PPP delegation including Raja Pervez Ashraf and Syed Naveed Qamar met Achakzai to invite PTI to join committees.
“The PPP wants the PTI to participate in parliamentary standing committees as well as the electoral reforms committee.”
Achakzai seeks consultation time
Achakzai requested time to consult before responding to PPP's invitation to join committees.
“The PTI will respond to the PPP after consultations.”
Governor's rule in KP
Centre imposed governor's rule in KP on Oct 11 citing provincial government's 'deliberate disengagement' from counterterrorism.
“The move had drawn criticism from the opposition.”
Bilawal's olive branch to opposition
Bilawal suggested opposition engagement could reverse KP governor's rule.
“Their positive engagement with the federal government could result in the reversal of governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
Electoral reforms committee
Parliament formed electoral reforms committee after PPP motion to address alleged rigging.
“The opposition had described electoral rigging as its 'fundamental issue'.”
Bilawal's call for committee participation
Bilawal stressed committee participation as fundamental step to restore Parliament's respect and authority.
“I request the opposition to at least exercise the power it has.”
Parliamentary briefing on security
Bilawal requested government brief on Iran war implications and defense pacts.
“Every member of this House has the right to be informed about the challenges facing Pakistan.”
Opposition's role in Parliament
Bilawal urged opposition to participate in committees to address national issues.
“You have played a part in helping these people achieve their objective.”
The main idea
PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari urged opposition leader Achakzai to use authority delegated by Imran Khan to participate in parliamentary committees on electoral reforms.
