ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah Wednesday said that the government did not convene the meeting of Council of Common Interest (CCI) despite several requests from the provinces.
Speaking on a Point of Order in the National Assembly, Khursheed Shah said that it was clearly mentioned in the Constitutions that CCI should meet at least twice in a year but the government did not fulfil its constitutional requirement.
He said that almost nine months had been passed but the government failed to convene the CCI meeting which is not good both for the government and the democracy.
Khursheed Shah said the government was reluctant to convene to the meeting as they know that provincial governments would take up several important matters.
The Opposition Leader said that in case any matter between provinces and federal government was not resolved then it should be brought to the parliament.
He said the country was facing several grave issues on internal and external fronts adding that delay in the meeting of CCI was also creating trust deficit between the provinces and federal.
Khursheed Shah said that Pakistan Peoples party (PPP) had rendered many sacrifices for democracy and Parliament, adding that all the institutions would be strengthened with the strengthening of the parliament.
He said that as a custodian of the National Assembly, the speaker has the responsibility to direct the treasury benches to ensure their presence in the House.
The Opposition Leader said that PPP led government has a credit and set an example for smooth transition of power to the next government in the fair and transparent manner.
Khursheed Shah recalled the Memo Gate Scandal and asked the government the scandal had brought in the PPP era to weaken the parliament and democracy.
“We believe on democracy and parliamentary system in the country and today masses are asking the government to further strengthen the parliament,” he added.
“We have the constitution which cannot be abolished by any dictator and that should need to further strengthen,” Khursheed Shah said.
Source: APP
