Heated Debate On Balochistan Package Likely By Amir Wasim

ISLAMABAD: A heated debate on the recently-announced Balochistan package is likely in the joint session of the two houses of parliament which begins here from Monday.

ISLAMABAD: A heated debate on the recently-announced Balochistan package is likely in the joint session of the two houses of parliament which begins here from Monday.

According to the adviser on parliamentary affairs, Izhar Amrohvi, the planned two-day session could be extended. Senate Chairman Farooq Naek will preside over the session because National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza is in France on a five-day official visit. Mr Amrohvi said that sessions could also be held in the evening to allow a maximum number of lawmakers to discuss Balochistan issues.

The Aghaz Huqooq-i-Balochistan package, which was presented on Nov 24 by Senator Raza Rabbani, includes various administrative, economic and constitutional measures for the uplift of the people of the Balochistan.

However, a majority of Baloch leaders inside and outside parliament had rejected the package and criticised its incentives as inadequate. They have demanded provincial autonomy and asked the government to take practical steps instead of making mere promises.

Political observers believe that Baloch leaders are likely to lash out at the government during the debate.

Dawn has learnt that the government has not yet decided how many members would be allowed to speak on the subject.

An official said the house business advisory committee, which has representation of all political parties, was expected to meet before the session began to chalk out a plan for the debate.

The government, he said, was considering to allow only parliamentary leaders of political parties to speak on the matter, but it would be difficult for the government to stop members, especially from Balochistan, from addressing the issue.

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