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Home , Ayaz Sadiq, Divisions of Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain, Marvi Memon, Murtaza Javed Abbasi

The National Assembly of Gazette

July 2014

Ramazan, 1435 A.H.

Contents

Chief Editor’s Note 1

President’s Address to the Parliament 2

Legislative Business 8

Obituary 11

Calls On 12

Committees Meetings 17

Foreign Visits & Delegations 27

Other News 28

Press Corner (Budget 2014-15) 35

Perspective 40

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Chief Editor’s Note

As usual, the most important event in Parliament House during June was the budget session. The joint session of Parliament was held on 2nd June while the budget session of National Assembly started on 3rd June. On the same day, the Federal Budget 2014-15 was presented by the Finance Minister. The total outlay of budget 2014-15 is Rs. 4,302 billion, 7.9% higher than the size of budget estimates 2013-14. Net revenue receipts are estimated at Rs. 2,225 billion. The provincial share in federal revenue receipts is estimated at Rs. 1,720 billion during 2014-15. Another important figure is the share of current expenditures in total budgetary outlay which is 80.5%. A relatively smaller amount of Rs. 839 billion has been earmarked for development expenditures which is even lower than the estimates of Budget 2013-14 by 8.3%.

The National Assembly approved the Finance Bill for fiscal year 2014-15, on 21st June, with total outlay of Rs. 4.3 trillion accepting some amendments moved by the government and rejecting all ones from the opposition benches. Following nine-day discussion, the 149-page Finance Bill moved by Minister for Finance, was passed by the House with majority in clause-by-clause reading. The passing of the Finance Bill successfully brought to an end the budget process which had started on June 3 with the budget speech of the finance minister.

A lot has been said about the pros and cons of Budget 2014-15 in the press and electronic media. A section has been included in current issue of Gazette containing the views of eminent economists about budget 2014-15, already printed in press. Apart from all these technicalities, the nation wants a positive change in their lives and living standards. They have attached hopes to the new budget. We pray that their hopes come true and the new budget proves to be a cornerstone in bringing our economy round.

The Nation was shocked and grieved by the news of sad demise of MNA, Tahira Asif who was hospitalized after being injured by the firing of the unknown assailants on 18th June. Both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker on National Assembly condemned the heinous act of firing on her and expressed their deep condolences to her family.

Another important event was the retirement of Secretary National Assembly, Karamat Hussain Niazi. He served well the Assembly and Secretariat for a long time. We pay tribute to him for his tireless services which will always be remembered in golden words. We also welcome the newly appointed Secretary, Muhammad Riaz and wish him success in serving the Assembly and Secretariat in the best way possible.

Thank You Ch. Mukhtar Ahmed

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President’s Address to the Joint Sitting of Parliament

President of Pakistan, addressed the Joint Sitting of the Parliament at the commencement of new parliamentary year on Monday, June 2, 2014. The address signifies a historic moment in the Parliamentary as it was the first address of the President to the parliament after the transition of power from one civilian government to another.

Prime Minister , members of the federal cabinet and parliament, chief ministers, governors and the prime minister of as well as the chiefs of the three armed forces including Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee attended the joint session of the parliament. Ambassadors, diplomats, members of civil society and important personalities from different segments of life also attended the session.

President of Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain addressing the Joint Sitting of Parliament on June 2, 2014 In his speech, the President of Pakistan talked about very important issues including the role of minorities in the progress of the country, democracy, economic issues and relationship with the neighbours and the rest of the world.

The speech was delivered in . A full text of the Presidential Address is provided here for our readers.

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LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS

12th Session (June 3 – 21)

National Assembly was summoned by the Pakistan, 1973 as held by Honourable President to meet on Tuesday, the 3rd June Supreme Court of Pakistan in its judgment 2014 at 4.00 p.m. It was the 12th Session of dated 25.03.2013 in Constitution Petition th No.53/2007. Judicial procedure is involved the 14 National Assembly. The Session st in FST cases; therefore, it is imperative that was prorogued on Saturday, 21 June 2014. appointments of Chairman and Members, The important legislative business of the FST should commensurate with 12th Session during June 2014 is qualifications and experience in the relevant summarized below: field in line with the procedure adopted for appointment in judiciary. Presently FST A. Bills does not have power to spend its budge independently, therefore, there is need to Bills Passed make it financially autonomous. Presently Three bills were passed during the 12th Secretary, Law & Justice Division is Session of the 14th National Assembly. Principal Accounting Officer of FST. FST does not have the power to get its 1. The Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils orders/judgments implemented, therefore, (Amendment) Act, 2014 appellants approach respective High Courts for implementation of the orders/judgments The has been of FST, thus, creating extra burden for the established by an Act of Parliament titled High Courts. Thus, provision of such power the Islamabad High Court Act, 2010 (XVII for FST would not only make it an effective of 2010) which has been enacted in judicial forum but also reduce the burden of pursuance of Article 175 of the Constitution the respective High Courts. of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Earlier the Islamabad Capital Territory was given 3. The Anti-terrorism (Amendment) Act, representation in Punjab Bar Council and 2014 since there is an independent High Court for the Islamabad Capital Territory now, the Due to the increasing terrorism in the establishment of Islamabad Bar Council is a country, more legislative measures are statutory requirement under the Legal required to enhance the effectiveness of the Practitioners and Bar Councils Act, 1973 law enforcing agencies in tackling heinous (XXXV of 1973). The above Amendment crime, specially conferring powers of Act was passed to fulfill this objective. investigation on Rangers, providing legal cover to Joint Investigation Team (JIT), 2. The Service Tribunals (Amendment) Act, enabling police to become complainants in 2014 extortion cases, and special provisions for protections of witnesses (faceless) through Some of the provisions of Federal Service video recording. The Bill is designed to Tribunal Act, 1973 are ultra vires to the achieve the aforesaid purpose. Constitution of Islamic Republic of

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Government Bills Introduced on Zaireen in Taftan, Balochistan on 8th Only one Government Bills was introduced June, 2014 resulting in the loss of many during the 12th Session. innocent lives and injuries to many others, This House notes that the Prime Minister 1. The Finance Act, 2014 has already directed the law enforcing The purpose of this Bill is to make financial provisions for the year beginning on the first agencies to take action against the day of July, 2014. perpetrators of the attack on the pilgrims and calls upon both the Federal Government and Private Members Bills Introduced Provincial Government of Balochistan to No bill was introduced by private members provide the best possible medical assistance in 12th Session of National Assembly. to the injured persons, vigorously pursue the search for the terrorists till they are arrested B. Ordinances and brought to justice and ensure security for the Zaireen. This House strongly No ordinance was laid in National Assembly during the month of June 2014. condemns terrorism and sectarianism in all its forms and manifestations.

C. Acts 2. Terrorist Attack on Karchi Airport (June 10, 2014) The following Acts of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) received the assent of the This House strongly condemns the terrorist President during the month of June 2014: attack on the old terminal of Airport 1. The Federal Court (Repeal) Act, 2014 on Sunday/ Monday night of 8th- 9th June, (10th June 2014) 2014 resulting in the loss of many precious 2. The National Judicial (Policy Making) lives, injuries to many others and damage to Committee (Amendment) Act, 2014 government and private properties. This th (10 June 2014) House also expresses grave concern over the 3. The Anti-terrorism (Amendment) Act, death of seven workers in the cold storage. It 2014 (15th June 2014) prays for the departed souls and expresses 4. The Service Tribunals (Amendment) Act, 2014 (17th June 2014) its deepest sympathies with the bereaved families. D. Resolutions Airport Security Force, Police and other The following six resolutions were moved in law-enforcing agencies who successfully the National Assembly during the month of and courageously countered the attacks and June. cleared all the sensitive areas in a very short time. This House salutes all the security 1. Terrorist act in Taftan (Balochistan) (June personnel who embraced shahadat, 10, 2014) sacrificing their lives in the discharge of their duties, defending the national/public This House strongly condemns the dastardly interest. This House expresses its full and inhuman terrorist act

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authority and support for the security and and tyranny, while upholding the ideals and law enforcing agencies and resolves to values of democracy, moderation and steadfastly stand with them in the defense of tolerance, recalls her words, The forces of the nation. moderation and democracy must and will prevail against extremism and dictatorship. I 3. Military Operation in Tribal Areas (June will not be intimated'': salutes her single- 16, 2014) minded determination to eliminate the This House expresses its fullest support with scourge of terrorism and pays tribute to her the decision of the incomparable services for a democratic to launch the military operation by our Pakistan for which she ultimately lay down valiant Armed Forces against militants in the her life. Tribal Areas who are using the sacred soil of this country for their nefarious ends, 5. Attack on MNA, Mrs. Tahira Asif (June including attacks on Security Forces and law 21, 2014) enforcing agencies and public and private properties, resulting in tragic deaths and This House strongly condemns unanimously injuries to thousands of military personnel's the dastardly fatal attack with fire arms on and innocent civilians and colossal damage prominent, active and energetic lady to the economy. Parliamentarian Mrs. Tahira Asif belonging to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), on This House calls upon the Federal and 18th June, 2014 in broad day light whereby Provincial Governments to provide all necessary assistance to the effected families she expired on 20th June, 2014 during her who will be displaced by the military medical treatment in . This House operation, till they are able to return to their demands that culprits involved in this homes, This House resolves to stand heinous crime may be arrested forthwith by shoulder-to-shoulder with the Armed Forces the Police of Punjab and be punished. till final victory. This will not only restore peace and tranquility in the region, but also 6. Extension of Federal Judicial Academy lead to its rapid socio-economic (Amendment) Ordinance, 2014 (June 21, development and prosperity of the people, 2014) which is the earnest desire of this House. The National Assembly resolves to extend 4. Birthday of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir the Federal Judicial Academy (Amendment) Bhutto (June 21, 2014) Ordinance, 2014 (Ord. No. V of 2014) for a further period of one hundred and twenty This House recognizes this day as the th birthday of Shaheed Prime Minister days w.e.f. 8 August 2014 under proviso to Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Sahiba, and on sub-paragraph (ii) of paragraph (a) of clause this day, pays homage to her indomitable (2) of Article 89 of the Constitution of the courage and will to fight against extremism Islamic Republic of Pakistan

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MNA Tahira Asif : The Parted Soul

Late Tahira Asif was elected on women reserve seat of MQM in 2013 elections. She was considered to be the pivot of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement‘s organisational work in Punjab, as she joined the MQM after parting ways in 2007 with the Pakistan -Q — the party which had made her a member of the National Assembly in 2002 on a seat reserved for women lawmakers from Punjab. She had contested in many local and general elections and her political career spanned over a period of two decades.

Tahira Asif, was shot and injured while resisting an apparent robbery attempt in the Iqbal Town, Lahore neighborhood on Wednesday, 18th June. She passed away early on Friday morning in Sheikh Zayed Hospital. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of National Assembly condemned the attack on her and expressed their profound grief over her sad demise, in their separate condolence messages to her family. The National Assembly Session was also adjourned in her mourning on Friday, 20th June.

Widespread condemnation of attack was observed from different parts of the society over her death. Assembly on 20 June 2014 passed a resolution condemning the attack, MQM announced three days of mourning. National Assembly of Pakistan paid her tribute and demanded inquiry into her killing. She will always be remembered for her valuable contributions. May her soul rest in peace!

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CALLS ON

Governor Balochistan meets Speaker and rationalizing the taxes was also on the National Assembly (June 2) top of government‘s agenda. Governor Balochistan, Muhammad Khan He said that Business Community was the Achakzai called on Speaker National backbone of the country that has played its Assembly, Sardar in Parliament proactive role for economic growth in the House on 2nd June to discussed the overall country. The Speaker said that the Annual security and political situation of the Budget Session of the National Assembly country. has unique importance for all and sundry but Speaker National Assembly informed him the Business Community takes special about the legislative process and interest in this Session as it helps shaping mechanisms. The Governor congratulated their future business plans. He said that Speaker National Assembly on Presidents keeping in view importance of the Federal Budget, he had invited Business Community Address to the Parliament and successfully to witness the budget session. He asked hosting of the 16th Speakers Conference by them to forward their suggestions to the the National Assembly Secretariat. Both the Government for improving the economic leaders expressed their satisfaction over the situation in the country. law and order situation in the country. They The Representatives of Business also commended the steps taken by the Community appreciated the initiatives of government for economic progress and inviting them to witness the Budget Speech. They said that they would forward their improving the law and order situation. suggestions to the government after the Business Community meets Speaker NA budget proposals have been presented to the (June 3) National Assembly. They individually Representatives of Chamber of Commerce appreciated government‘s commitment for & Industry, Stock Exchange and Trade its measures for stabilizing the economic Organizations from all over the Country activity in the country. Later the Business called on Speaker, National Assembly Community witnessed the proceedings of Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in Parliament House, on the House. June 3. Czech Parliamentarians meet Speaker Talking with the Representatives of National Assembly (June 3) Business Community, Speaker said that Chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defence present democratic government was and Security Committee of Parliament of commitment to create investment and trade Czech Republic Mr. Franisek Bublan called friendly environment that will ultimately on Speaker National Assembly on June 3, translate into fast economic growth in the along with a delegation comprising country. He said that measures have been Members of the Parliament. Various issues initiated to address law and order situation of mutual interest including ways and means and energy shortages in the country which to enhance parliamentary cooperation were the main impediments in the economic between Pakistan and Czech Legislatures growth. He said that broadening the tax net were discussed.

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The Speaker stressed to cement the existing same page on issues concerning masses. He bonds of friendship between both the nations said that government was focused on revival through enhancing interaction at political, of economy, overcoming energy shortages, parliamentary and people to people level. He eradicating extremism and promoting human also suggested for active interaction of rights. Business Communities of both the countries He thanked Slovakia for its support to to enhance trade activity on either side. Pakistan for attaining GSP+ status in EU. The Speaker apprised the Czech He stressed the need for further enhancing Parliamentarians about the government‘s interaction between business communities of commitment to address the law and order both the countries which would be mutually situation and energy shortages in the benefited. He urged the Slovak business country. He said that all the political parties community to take advantage of investment in the National Assembly have unanimity of friendly policies in Pakistan. views on all such issues. Mr. Miroslav Lajcak appreciated Speaker‘s The Czech Parliamentarians agreed with remarks and said that his country also Speaker for enhancing cooperation in attaches importance to its relations with diverse fields. They suggest that Pakistan and wants to further strengthen it parliamentarians could bring both the nation though diversification of economic and more closer. They appreciated Pakistan‘s parliamentary ties. He said that he is sacrifices in fight against terrorism and accompanied by a delegation of tradesmen extremism. and would meet Pakistani business community for exploring avenues of Deputy Prime Minister of Slovak Republic possible cooperation. He said his country calls on Speaker, NA (June 9) acknowledges Pakistan‘s sacrifice in fight Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz against terrorism and extremism. Sadiq has stressed the need for strengthening of Parliamentary relations between Pakistan Afghan Ambassador calls on Speaker and Slovakia. He added that economic ties National Assembly (June 11) will also get a boost by enhancing Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz parliamentary interaction. The Speaker was Sadiq has said that a peaceful and stable talking to Mr. Miroslav Lajcak, Deputy Afghanistan is in the vital interest of Prime Minister of Slovak Republic in Pakistan and the region. He said that Parliament House, on 9th June. Pakistan believes in mutual respect for The Speaker said that relations between sovereignty and territorial integrity of its Pakistan and Slovakia are based on mutual neighbors. He was talking to Mr. Janan goodwill and understanding as well as Mosazai, Ambassador of Afghanistan in converging views on important global Parliament House on 11th June afternoon. issues. He said that Pakistan acknowledges The Speaker said that both the countries Slovak support on international forums. He were tied in eternal bonds of brotherhood, said that mutual understanding and religion, culture and history. He said that by cooperation will further strengthen relations active engagement of parliamentarians of between both the countries. the two countries, bilateral relations would The Speaker said that democracy in Pakistan further improve and strengthened. is fully entrenched and the present The Speaker expressed his satisfaction on government is committed to the welfare of the pace of broadening and deepening its people. He said that present parliament bilateral ties with an emphasis on trade and comprise of progressive forces and were on economic cooperation, energy and

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infrastructure development. He said that The Speaker said that Pakistan attaches Pakistan is committed to accelerate the importance to its relations with Australia realization of trans-regional projects and desired to further strengthen through including CASA-1000 and TAPI gas cooperation in diverse sectors. He informed pipeline. the High Commissioner that present the The Speaker said that Pakistan would Parliament consisted political forces having continue to moderate, support an progressive and inclusive, enlightened Afghan led outlook and was and Afghan working for the owned welfare of peace and masses. He reconciliatio asked for n process. exchange of He said that parliamentary Pakistan had delegations for and would sharing support its experiences and Afghan H.E. Mr. Janan Mosazai, Ambassador of Afghanistan called on Speaker NA, Sardar parliamentary brethren Ayaz Sadiq in Parliament House on 11.06.2014 practices. He staying in stressed the Pakistan. He urged the International need for widening cooperation particularly community to create conducive environment in manufacturing, agriculture and livestock to their early return to their homeland. sectors. The High Commissioner said that Australia Australian High Commissioner calls on also values its relations with Pakistan and Speaker NA (June 11) wants to further cement them through High commissioner of Australia Mr. Peter enhancing parliamentary as well as Heyward called on Speaker in Parliament cooperation in diverse fields. He said that House on his 11th June. government Various believes in a issues of strong and mutual stable interest and Pakistan ways to which was in strengthen the interest of existing the region. bilateral He said that relations Australian between Parliament legislatures also wants to of both the enhance its countries H.E. Mr. Peter Heyward, High Commissioner of Australia called on Speaker NA, Sardar cooperation came under Ayaz Sadiq in Parliament House on 11.06.2014 with National discussion.

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Assembly of Pakistan and his Australian benches appreciated the neutral role of counterpart was waiting for see him in Sardar Ayaz Sadiq specially during the Australia. budget debates where he give opposition European Union, Ambassador Lars-Gunnar more time than the treasury benches. Wigemark calls on Speaker NA (June 27) Ambassador while appreciating the role of Pakistan and European Union enjoy friendly National Assembly in the political process and warm relationship and under the said, this is a decisive moment for Pakistan democratic government, Pakistan will where the democratic government led by further improve its interaction to promote Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz democratic and parliamentary traditions and Sharif is delivering and Pakistan foreign institutions with the help and Cooperation of reserve has gone up and international European Union, Honorable Speaker of investment is pouring the country. He also National appreciated Assembly the Mr. Sardar constitution Ayaz Sadiq of Electoral said while Reform meeting with Committee the European of the Union, parliament, Ambassador which will Lars-Gunnar be notified Wigemark at shortly. National Ms. Maryem Assembly on Aurangzeb, th 27 June. He MNA, who said that H.E. Lars Gunnar Wigemark, European Union Ambassador called on Speaker NA was present, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in Parliament House on 27.6.2014 Pakistan is briefed about seeking Co-operation and guidance from steps taken to automate the National European Union countries to further Assembly and new initiatives being taken to strengthen the democratic norms in Pakistan. make National Assembly Secretariat more Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, while efficient and economical. responding said European Union is ready to assist Pakistan in its march towards Speaker, NA Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has democracy. Referring to National Assembly emphasized the need to re-structure the initiative to become fully automated Secretariat of National Assembly (June 26) Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark offered Honorable Speaker of National Assembly technical and professional assistance to Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has emphasized the need Pakistan. to re-structure the Secretariat of National Honorable Speaker also informed the Assembly based on merit, task identification visiting dignitary that parliament has and economy. He was speaking to Dr. constitutional Human Rights Commission Werner Liepach, Country Director Asian comprising its members to address the issues Development Bank who called on him this relating to Human Rights and fundamental rights. For the first time in the Pakistan‘s on 26 June 2014 at Parliament House Parliamentary history both sides of the Islamabad.

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Sardar ayaz Sadiq informed that the the occasion, said that the working of governing Board of PIPS has been re- National Assembly Secretariat will be constituted headed by chairman Senate, with monitored and time-lined in the interest of view to improve the parliamentary Service efficiency and economy. Energy audit has

Dr. Werner Liepach Country Director of Asian Development Bank called on Speaker NA Sardar Ayaz Sadiq at Parliament House on 26.6.2014 and capacity building of the legislatures. been carried out and 30% wastage has been Legislative research and legal drafting will plugged and National Assembly will go on be introduced in PIPS for the training of law solar by the end of the year. makers. In National Assembly, new Human Parliamentary studies will be introduced in Resources Management with job universities at graduate level in to empower description, and complete succession plan is and strengthen the parliamentary services. being introduced, and an organogreme is Dr. Werner Liepach, Country Director Asian being developed. He said the new Development Bank appreciated the recruitments in National Assembly will be strengthening of democratic and through FPSC and Speaker will have no role parliamentary roots in Pakistan and assured in the recruitment to make them transparent of cooperation from Asian development and merit basis. Bank in on-going and new initiative of MNA, Ms. Maryem Aurangzeb, National Assembly for improving its Chairperson of Millennium Development performance and delivery system. Goals in National Assembly also present on

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COMMITTEE MEETINGS

NA Business Advisory Committee meets Assembly during its 2nd Parliamentary Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker, National year. Assembly chaired a meeting of the House The meeting was attended by Murtaza Javed Business Advisory Committee in the Abbasi, Deputy Speaker, Rana Tanveer Parliament House to discuss the agenda for

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker National Assembly Chairing the meeting of Business Advisory Committee at Parliament House on 06.06.2014 the Budget Session of the National Hussain, Minister for Defence Production, Assembly, on 6th June. Ch. Muhammad , Minister for After discussion and taking into account Kashmir Affairs and -Baltistan, Sheikh suggestions by representative of the political Aftab Ahmed, Minister of State for parties in the National Assembly, it was Parliamentary Affairs/Chief Whip of the decided that general discussion on the (N), Jam Kamal Budget will continue till 17th June 2014 and Khan, Minister of State for Petroleum & thereafter the process of passage of Budget Natural Resources, MNAs; Ms. Shaista would be initiated. It was decided that the Pervez, Mr. Shahab-ud-Din Khan, Mr. Aijaz Budget Session will continue till 21st June, Hussain Jakhrani, Dr. , Sahibzada 2014. Tariq Ullah and Syed Ghazi Gulab Jamal. The Committee decided that the sittings of the National Assembly will be held from Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Mondays and from meets The Standing Committee on Cabinet 10:00 am to 4:00 pm with a break of half an Secretariat met on 11th June at in the hour for Zuhr prayers on rest of the days. It Parliament House, Islamabad under the was also decided that the question hour and Chairmanship of Rana Muhammad Hayat other non-legislative business will remain Khan, MNA to consider the following suspended during the Budget Session. The agenda:- Committee also approved the tentative i. Detail of recruitment made in CDA (BPS-4 onward) during last five schedule of sessions of the National years.

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ii. List of official vehicles along-with xii. Any other item with permission of their allocation with the CDA the Chair. officers. 2. The Chairman, Standing Committee on iii. Detail of officers/officials who are Cabinet Secretariat enquired as to what working on deputation in CDA improvement brought in the CDA and mentioning their parent departments, achievements obtained by CDA so far. The and the criteria for allotment of plots member (Planning) CDA informed that to the deputationist in CDA. main project of CDA namely Kashmir iv. Detail of budget/expenditure of CDA Highway has almost been completed and a incurred during last five years. lane of which been opened up for traffic. He v. Progress report of work on 104 further added that opposite lane of Highway family suits, Parliament Lodges, being cosmated which to be completed in a Islamabad. few days. He further stated that three sectors vi. Detail of maintenance budget namely C-15, C-16, and C-17 are being incurred on Parliament House and planned, topography of which have been Parliament Lodges. completed and its detailed design under vii. Detail of Plots allotted to the CDA preparation at present. PC of those sectors employees during last five years. have been completed. He further informed viii. Complete list of Housing Societies that proposed construction of flat complex and their lay-Out Plans with their scheduled in sector I-15, Islamabad have legal status, particularly, Senate been converted into allotment of plots to the Secretariat Housing Society. allotees. The Committee decided to hold the ix. Provision of investigation report with next meetings on 1st & 2nd July, 2014 at reference to CDA‘s request to FIA CDA, Head office, where the Committee for registration of FIR against the further consider the matter concerning to management of three Private sector I-15, Islamabad. Housing Schemes in Islamabad vide 3. MNAs Malik Ibrar Ahmad, Sardar letter No. CDA/PLW- Muhammad Irfan Dogar, Ms. Parveen HS(90)JKCHS/Court Case/93/1287, Masood Bhatti, Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir, dated 25-11-2013. Ms. Shahnaz Saleem, Mrs. Seema a. M/s Multi- Professional Cooperative Housing Society, Mohiuddin Jameeli, Ms. Nafeesa Inayatullah Zone-II Khan Khattak, Syed Ali Raza Abidi, Mr. b. M/s J&K Cooperative Housing Muhammad Rehan Hashmi and Minister In- Society Sector G-15/F-15, Zone-II charge were present in the meeting. c. M/s Pakistan Medical Cooperative Housing Society Sector F-II National Assembly House & Library x. List of total commercial plots sold by Committee meets CDA during last five years along- The Deputy Speaker, National Assembly with its value. has expressed serious xi. Detail of office bearers of Collective concerns on the weak and ineffective Bargaining Agent in CDA who were security arrangements around the Parliament sent abroad during the last five years House, Parliament Lodges and MNAs and Competent Authority who Hostel in Islamabad. He therefore directed granted approval along-with the Islamabad Police to beef up the security amount incurred thereupon. keeping in view the law and order situation.

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The Deputy Speaker was chairing a meeting Government Hotel from its present location of the Standing Committee on House and to some other place which he termed a Library in Parliament House, on 13th June. security threat to the residents of the area. The Deputy Speaker asked the Ministry of The meeting was attended by members of Interior and Islamabad Police to enhance the the Committee, Additional Secretary M/o police force responsible for security of the Interior, Chairman CDA, Chief Parliament and Lodges and equip them with Commissioner ICT, DIG Police and other required paraphernalia. He directed for collection of data of people residing in the senior functionaries of National Assembly servant quarters in Parliament Lodges and and CDA. Government Hostel. He also directed for submission of report of the Judicial Inquiry NA Speaker chairs Finance Committee Finance Committee of the National into 23rd May‘s incident at the earliest for Assembly met in the Parliament House, on consideration of the House and Library 17th June with Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Committee. in the chair. Taking strict view of the delay in The Committee approved the continuation construction of additional family suites, the of 152 temporary posts in the National Committee directed the CDA to either get Assembly Secretariat in various gazetted the project completed by November, 2014 or and non-gazetted cadres for the financial cancel the contract and blacklist the year 2014-15. The said posts are required to contractor. He said that the Contractor has be continued for smooth functioning of the failed to justify the delay despite provision Secretariat therefore, formal approval was of mobilization fund. He also directed for

Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly chairing the meeting of the Standing Committee on House & Library at Parliament House 13.06.2014 investigation into the matter pertaining to sought for the financial year 2014-15. substandard maintenance work of The Committee principally approved the Parliament Lodges. He also expressed his appointment of son/daughter /widow/ displeasure over delay in award of contract widower of deceased employees of the of supply of furniture despite release of National Assembly Secretariat on regular funds by the M/o Finance. He also directed basis in grade 1 to 15, who die while in for shifting of Tanker Water Supply near service. The Committee approved the

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regularization of services of 7 employees NA Speaker consults Parliamentary Leaders who were appointed on contract basis under on Electoral Reforms Committee Prime Minister‘s Assistance package for the A consultative meeting was held in deceased employees. Parliament House on 20th June with Speaker The Members of the Committee individually National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in the appreciated the decisions of grant of chair. The meeting was convened to discuss incentives to the heirs of deceased the constitution of a proposed Parliamentary employees. They appreciated Speaker‘s Committee on Electoral Reforms. initiative for human resources development, The meeting was attended by Syed automation of official record, creation of Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Leader of paperless environment and austerity in Opposition, Rana Tanvir Hussain, Minister expenditures in the National Assembly for Defence Production, Mr. ,

Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq chairing meeting of the National Assembly Finance Committee at Parliament House on 17.6.2014 Secretariat besides powering Parliament Minister for Science & Technology, House with solar energy. The Speaker also Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Minister for Railways, directed for immediate provision of shade, Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, Minister for drinking water and benches in area Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Shahid Khaqan designated for media and drivers near Gate Abbasi, Minister for Petroleum and Natural no.1 of Parliament House. Resources, MNAs Mr. Aftab Ahmad Khan The meeting was attended by MNAs Ms. Sherpao, Maulana Fazl ur Rehman, Mrs. , Ms. Shaista Pervaiz, Mian Shahida Akhtar Ali, Mr. Ghous Bux Khan Muhammad Manan, Malik Aitibar Khan, Mahar, Sahibzada Tariq Ullah, Mr Usman Sardar Amjad Farooq Khosa, Ms. Munza Khan Tarrakai, Syed Naveed Qamar, Mr. Hasan, Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan, Abdul Rahim Mandokhail, Mr. Mehmood Raja Muhammad Javed Ikhhlas, Ch. Khan Achakzai, Mr. Sufyan Yousuf, Sheikh Armaghan Shubani, Secretary and other Rashid Ahmed, Mr. Muhammad Muzammil senior officers of National Assembly Qureshi and Dr. Arif Alvi. Secretariat.

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The Speaker thanked all the Parliamentary The Speaker further informed the leaders and representatives of political participants that he will meet Chairman

Speaker NA, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq chairing a consultative meeting of Parliamentary Leaders in National Assembly regarding constitution of Electoral Reforms Committee in Parliament House on 20.06.2014 parties for attending the meeting. He said Senate and take him on board regarding that the meeting in question has been constitution of the proposed committee as a convened in furtherance of the unanimous similar resolution needs to be moved in the motion adopted in the House for constitution Senate. of a committee on Electoral Reforms. He said that giving importance to the matter, the Meeting of Standing Committee on Committee should meet on daily basis and Communications A meeting of Standing Committee on evaluate the shortcomings of the previous Communications was held under the electoral process and make Chairmanship of Mr. Sayan Yusuf, MNA on recommendations to free, fair and 25th June, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. in the transparent elections. He said that he had not Parliament House, Islamabad. The following consented to the proposal of extension for Members attended the meeting: one month to the committee so it should 1. Mr. Najaf Abbas Sial Member complete the task assigned to it within the 2. Mr. Ramesh Lal Member stipulated timeframe. He was confident that 3. Mr. Salim Rehrnan Member the Committee would make comprehensive 4. Engr. Hamid-ul-Haq recommendations acceptable to all. Khalil Member After detailed discussion, all the participants 5. Mr. Muhammad .Muzammil agreed on composition of the proposed Qureshi Member Committee. It was agreed that the committee 6. Ms. Naseema Hafeez Panezai will comprise of 33-member from all the Member parliamentary parties in proportion to their 7. Engr. Usman Khan representation in Parliament. The major Tarakai Member parties decided to relinquish one seat each 8. Ms. Shahjehan NIuneer from their quota to accommodate single Mangrio Member member parties in the Parliament, whose 9. Dr. Darshan Member representation was otherwise not possible. 10. Mr. Nazir Ahmed The Speaker asked the Parliamentary leaders Uughio Member to forward names of their Members to the 2. The agenda of the meeting was as under:- National Assembly Secretariat at the i. Briefing on Lowari Tunnel; earliest.

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ii. Any other item with permission of examine the matters concerning Virtual the Chair. University. The Sub-Committee comprises 3. The Chairman, National Highway of Maj. (Retd.) Tahir Iqbal, , Mehar Ishtiaq Authority (NHA) briefed the Committee Ahmad, Syed Ali Raza Abidi, Mr. Zahra about Lowari Tunnel which is situated in Wadood Fatemi, Engineer Dawar Khan between Darosh and . M/s Geoconsult is Kundi, MNAs as its members and Sardar the Consultant and Mis SANIBU is the Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, MNA as its Contractor of the Project. The said Project Convener. started in September, 2005 and will be 3. The Committee also took the matter completed in September, 2017 with the cost concerning non-payment of outstanding of Rs.9816 Million. 32 % work has been salaries of contract / daily wages/ contingent completed till now, he added. paid employees of Telephone Industry of 4 The meeting was also attended by the the Pakistan (TIP), Haripur before the Holy senior officers from Ministry of month of Ramadan. The Ministry of Finance Communications and NHA. informed that issue concerning about outstanding salaries of contract/daily wages/ Meeting of the Standing Committee on contingent paid employees of TIP, Haripur Information Technology and before the Holy month of Ramadan will be Telecommunication announced by the Prime Minister of The Standing Committee on Information Pakistan during his visit to TIP. Technology and Telecommunication met 4. MNAs Major (Retd.) Tahir Iqbal, Mr. today at in the Parliament House, Islamabad Muhammad Tallal Chaudry, Mian under the Chairmanship of Capt. (Retd.) Muhammad Farooq, Chaudhary Nazeer Muhammad Safdar, MNA to consider the Ahmad, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan following agenda: Leghari, Mr. Muhammad Aijaz Ahmed i. Detail briefing on the Chaudhary, Mehar Ishtiaq Ahmad, Ms. function/performance of Virtual Farhana Qamar, Ms. Musarat Rafique University; Mahesar, Syed Ali Raza Abidi, Ms. Zahra ii. Briefing/discussion on payment of Wadood Fatemi and Engineer Dawar Khan outstanding salaries of contract/daily Kundi were present in the meeting. wages/ contingent paid employees of TIP, Haripur before the Holy month Meeting of the Standing Committee on the of Ramadan; and Rules of Procedure and Privileges iii. Any other item with permission of A meeting of the Standing Committee on the the Chairman. Rules of Procedure and Privileges was held 2. The Rector, Virtual University stated that today; 26th June, 2014 at 10:30 am, in the Virtual University is Pakistan‘s first Committee Room No. 02, First floor, university, completely based on modern Parliament House, Islamabad. The agenda of information and communication the meeting was as under: technologies. The university was established i. The Question of Privilege raised by by the Government as a public sector, Nut- Eng. Hamid ulHaq Khalil, MNA for-profit institution with a clear mission to regarding misbehavior of Secretary provide extremely affordable world class Communication (Mr. Ahmad Hanif) education all over the country and abroad. of Khyber PakhtunKhawa, The Standing Committee on Information . Technology and Telecommunication ii. The Question of Privilege raised by decided to constitute a Sub-Committee to Mr. Sarzameen Khan, MNA

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regarding misbehavior DPO, District he has accepted the apology. On the stance Kohistan of Khyber PakhtunKhawa. taken by Mr. GhousBux Khan Mahar, MNA iii. The Question of Privilege raised by the Committee disposed of the privilege Syed Muhammad SaqlainBokhari, motion. MNA regarding misbehavior of The Committee also constituted a Sub- Managing Director, SNGPL, (Mr. Committee under the convener ship of ArifHameed) Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk, MNA to iv. The Question of Privilege raised by consider and amend the Rules of Procedure Mr. GhousBux Khan Mahar, MNA and Conduct of Business in the National regarding misbehavior of SSP, Assembly. The Sub Committee comprises of District Shikarpur (Mr. Abdul Aziz the following members: Tunio) 1. Mohammad Ayaz Soomro, MNA The Committee took up the first item 2. S.A. Iqbal Qadri , MNA regarding the privilege motionmoved by 3. Ms. Maiza Hameed, MNA Eng. Hamid ulHaq Khalil, MNA. After 4. Ms. Shagufta Jumani, MNA detailed deliberations and apology tendered The meeting was attended by Ch. Asadur by the Secretary Communications (Mr. Rehman, Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk, Ahmad Hanif) of Khyber PakhtunKhawa, RanaUmerNazir Khan, Ch. Bilal Ahmed the Committee deferred the question and Virk, Mr. Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, directed the Secretary to resolve the issues Ms. KiranHaider, Ms. MaizaHameed, Mr. and grievances of the Honorable Member. Imran ZafarLeghari, Mr. Muhammad Due to absence of Mr. Sarzameen Khan, AyazSoomro, Ms. ShaguftaJumani, MNA,his privilege motion was deferred by Makhdoom Muhammad JavedHashmi, Rai the Committee. The Committee then Hassan Nawaz Khan, Mr. S. A. IqbalQuadri considered the third privilege motion raised and Sheikh Muhammad Akram. by Syed Muhammad SaqlainBokhari, MNA and took serious note of the The Standing Committee on Defence indecorousbehavior of the management of Production meets The Standing Committee on Defence the SNGPL. However after unconditional Production met in the Parliament House apology submitted by Mr. LiaquatRaza today, the 26th June, 2014 in Committee SGM, Mr. Abdul Ahad GM, Mr. Room # 07 under the Chairmanship of ArifHameed MD, SNGPL and Mr. Khawaja Sohail Mansoor, MNA regarding AbidSaeed Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum briefing on Directorate General Defence and Natural Resources, the Committee Purchase by Ministry of Defence Production deferred the case. (MoDP). The Committee directed the Secretary, 2. The Committee Members were apprised Ministry of Petroleum and Natural resources by Brig Asif Hussain Nizami, Deputy to instruct all organization under ministry Director General Defence Purchase including SNGPL to deal with the people‘s regarding the creation and functions of representatives respectfully and resolve all Directorate General, Defence Purchase their issues and concerns on priority basis. (DGDP) Ministry of Defence Production. The fourth privilege motionpertaining to Mr. He informed the Committee about the GhousBux Khan Mahar, MNA, who process of procurement adopted by the informed the Committee that the SSP, Directorate General for Defence District Shikarpur (Mr. Abdul Aziz Tunio) requirements. has submitted a written apology to him and

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3. Federal Minister for Defence Production MNA / Chairperson of the Standing told the Committee that Pakistan can grab Committee. 80% business of engineering works from The schema of the meeting was to discuss golf by establishing shipyard at Gwadar the working of Pakistan National Council of Port. It was also informed by the Minister Arts (PNCA) and policy of Government on that Honorable Prime Minister has issued promoting Arts and Heritage. The Director directions to all law enforcement agencies General, (PNCA) briefed the Committee for given first right to procure any defence about the working of PNCA. The equipment. The Committee appreciated the Committee showed displeasure on the deliberation of Pakistan Navy on providing presentation given by the DG. The business to Karachi Shipyard. Committee discussed in detailed the issues 4. The Committee was told by the DDG of PNCA and promoting Art in the country. (Director of Procurement) that Chief of The Committee concluded and gave the Army Staff has authority to approve the following recommendations for the purchase upto US$ 25 million, however, improvement in the working of PNCA; and purchase of major defence equipment and for promoting Arts & Heritage in country. weapon system having value more US$ 25 1. PNCA‘s mission of integrating and million is headed by the Secretary, DP unifying all of Pakistan needs to be alongwith other representatives. adhered to in all its plans. In 2014‘s 5. Meeting was attended by Mr. Muhammad Pakistan it can play a vital role in Khan Daha, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, unifying all cultures. Chaudhary Hamid Hameed, Syed 2. In order to make the workings of the Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Shah, Mr. PNCA more efficient and more Muhammad Moeen Wattoo, Ms. Amra effective, a structural change in the Khan, Ms. Iffat Liaqat, Mr. Bhawan Das, working apparatus of the PNCA is Mr. Shehryar Afridi, Ms. Asyia Nasir, Mr. required. There is a need to create a Bilal Rehman and Mr. Sajid Hussain Turi, stronger private / public linkage that MNAs and besides senior officers from will help address grievances of the Ministry of Defence Production. artist community. Meeting of the Standing Committee on 3. The job of the Director General, Information, Broadcasting and National PNCA is a specialist job & hence the Heritage Director General of PNCA needs to 11th meeting of the Standing Committee on be selected on a competitive basis Information, Broadcasting and National th with a short listing of names, from a Heritage (IB&NH) was held on 30 June at pool of artists that have considerable

Ms. , Chairperson Standing Committee on Information, Broadcasting & National Heritage chairing the committee meeting at Parliament House on 30.06.2014 2:00 p.m. in Committee Room No. 02, contribution and background in Arts Parliament House, Islamabad. The meeting & Culture. By getting the right was presided over by Ms. Marvi Memon, person in place, who has had

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experience in creating international 10. A policy needs to be defined by linkages / arts education / social, PNCA for Talent Acquisition and educational outreach / will give Social Media can also be used to PNCA the benefit of this wide range achieve this objective. of expertise and the hands on 11. Efforts need to be made by PNCA to knowledge of getting things done. engage artists and strengthen its 4. The governing body of the PNCA linkages with the artist community needs to have significant across Pakistan for a centralized representation from people assimilation including all divisions. comprised of mid-late career arts 12. ―Art Acquisition Committee‖ needs professionals from the arts and to meet yearly and should be made culture sector, and their term needs functional immediately. to rotate every 3 years. Their task is 13. PNCA should design an agenda on to: priority basis so as to create a) Develop ideas through a Employment Opportunities and Job consensus of the Governing body Creation for the Artists certified of PNCA comprising of mid-late from PNCA. career art professionals from the 14. PNCA should complete the Structure arts and culture sector. of its Council and its 27 members b) Implementation / budgeting with immediate effect & on merit. annual funds 15. PNCA should integrate divisions in c) Follow up / feedback / reports its three regional groups to promote 5. The current BOG & its executive National Integrity. committee should be made 16. PNCA should conduct art & cultural functional at once as per the legal activities in local schools and far provisions to advice on issues on flung areas, free of cost and give the regular basis. committee a yearly plan to explain in 6. There should also be a larger which areas specifically for puppets. oversight body/committee that 17. PNCA should immediately revive oversees the working of PNCA, so ―National Art Exhibition‖ and that initiatives and problems are ―National Music Festival‖ which are voiced, scrutinized and solutions mandatory to be conducted every found. year. 7. PNCA‘s policy should clearly 18. There should be an international outline its outreach for artists with curator hired for national art gallery, disabilities and cater to their needs. so it can perform its role more 8. The contract should be immediately effectively. concluded with the Civil Works & 19. PNCA to assist artist community in HBC, so that proper maintenance of achieving international awards and to National Art Gallery is carried out. give us an action plan as to how they 9. PNCA ought to provide before the will assist. committee its Performance in all of 20. Publications by National Art Gallery its divisions in last one year, to should be commissioned by a compare actual performance from committee which selects renowned plans in paper work along with their art historian or critic, respected defined timelines. scholars on art whose writings will

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contribute to the importance of the versa. Giving importance and national collections and disseminate support to art and culture will them internationally. promote a positive and progressive 21. New works must be acquired for its image of Pakistan towards a brighter collection, especially contemporary future. art through the recommendation of a 28. The ministry should define a well-respected committee and this transparent manner of inviting and process must be fair, transparent and recruiting local budding talent from following merit. all divisions of Pakistan. 22. Visa support and institutional 29. Government should plan (PNCA) support could prove quite international exhibitions of Pakistani valuable for Pakistani Artists art and participation of Pakistan in working internationally. important international art events, Governmental Support could make such as Venice Biennale and others, the process faster and increase the so the country's image as a civilized, credibility of the artist and his work. cultural and peace loving nation 23. The Pakistani embassies around the spreads/improves globally. List of all world should show extra interest in such international events need to be promoting art activities part of the calendar for targets of internationally and promote the PNCA. artists, share opportunities and attend 30. Govt. must promote a protectionist events which showcase Pakistan. policy and form some barrier to entry 24. Government (federal and provincial) against foreign imports of should provide special permission to entertainment products, so local art is artists to temporarily use the nurtured. abandoned spaces/ buildings in the 31. Govt./PEMRA needs to ensure country as pop spaces or maybe form broadcasters follow the 10 % Rule of temporary museums/ studios/ airing non-Pakistani exhibition space in such areas. Products/Content on TV/Radio 25. Small art galleries should be networks to provide local artists established in smaller cities so the art equitable playing field. activity is not concentrated in 32. There is dire need for Govt. to ensure Islamabad but reaches to a wider strict adherence by broadcasters to public across the country. copyrights laws and royalty Coordination with provincial collection for both local and foreign governments. content aired. 26. PNCA should allow and invite 33. Above mentioned Royalty should be different artists and curators on a poured into a centralized agency rotation to organize month/ two which should be supervised by month long exhibitions, activities, Intellectual Property Organization workshops in the National Art (IPO). Gallery. This could include dance, 34. The revenue from Public Broadcast theatre and music as well. should reach the entire team 27. PNCA should facilitate inviting connected with the piece of art aired. international artists, exhibitions and The meeting was attended by Mr. Tahir researchers to Pakistan and vice Iqbal Ch., Mr. Muhammad Tallal Chaudry,

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Ms. Leila Khan, Ms. Parveen Masood Heritage and senior Officers of M/o Bhatti, Dr. Azhar Khan Jadoon, Ms. Naeema Information, Broadcasting & National Kishwar Khan, Ms. Zeb Jaffar, Mr. Imran Heritage; and Director General, Pakistan Zafar Leghari, Ms. Ghulam Bibi Bharwana National Council of Arts (PNCA) also and Ms. MNA. attended the meeting. Senator , Minister for Information, Broadcasting & National

FOREIGN VISITS AND DELEGATIONS

NA Deputy Speaker meets with Chairman other in various global fora. He also State Duma emphasized the need of closer cooperation Deputy Speaker, National Assembly between Russia and Pakistan to effectively Murtaza Javed Abbasi who is on official combat the menaces of drug trafficking and visit to Moscow, Russia to attend Third terrorism and to ensure peace and stability in International Parliamentary Forum, has said the region. that Pakistan Chairman of values high State Duma its relations Mr. Sergey to Russia and Naryshkin wanted to said that further Russia strengthen attaches the existing importance relation to its though relations enhanced with parliamentar Pakistan and y and wanted to economic Russian State Duma Chairman Sergey Naryshkin further cooperation. fortify them He expressed these views in his meeting through enhanced cooperation in all fields. with Mr. Sergey Naryshkin, Chairman State He also agreed for enhancing parliamentary Duma of Russian Federation in Moscow on cooperation between State Duma and June 27. National Assembly of Pakistan. The Deputy Speaker has stressed upon the need to further enhance the ties between Deputy Speaker National Assembly meets Pakistan and Russia in diverse fields. He Deputy Speaker Grand National Assembly of also underlined the need for frequent high Turkey level contacts between leadership of both the The Deputy Speaker met with the Deputy countries as well as parliament to parliament Speaker Grand National Assembly of and people to people interactions. The Turkey on the sideline of Third International Deputy Speaker said that both the countries Parliamentary Forum on ―New Dimensions had similar views on various international of Parliamentary Dialogue in Modern Age‖ issues and were already supporting each held in Moscow.

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Talking to Deputy Speaker Turkish Grand parliamentary cooperation. He said that Pak- National Assembly the Murtaza Javed Turk parliamentary friendship group in Abbasi said that Pakistan considers Turkey Turkish Grand National Assembly exists its brother and a trusted friend who has and its Members were keen to interact with always stood by in times of need. He said their Pakistan counterparts. He was that religion, history and culture bind both confident that such interaction would further the nations in fraternal bonds. He lauded the cement ties between both the brotherly unwavering Turkish support to Pakistan at countries. regional and international level. He The Deputy Speaker, Murtaza Javed Abbasi appreciated Turk assistance in socio- also met with Deputy Speaker, Indonesia, economic sectors in Pakistan. He stressed Deputy Speaker Algeria, Deputy Speaker the need for enhanced interaction between Austria and Parliamentary Delegation of the parliamentarians of both the brotherly German Bundestag on the sideline of Third countries. International Parliamentary Forum on ―New The Deputy Speaker Grand National Dimensions of Parliamentary Dialogue in Assembly of Turkey has said that Turkey Modern Age‖ held in Moscow from 25-27 gives immense importance to its warm and June, 2014 and discussed the matters brotherly relations with Pakistan and wanted pertaining to common interest and share to further cement them through enhanced experiences. OTHER NEWS

Three Day National Conference on MDGs The Chairperson of the Special MDG Task concluded, Legislators’ participation urged in Force, Member of the National Assembly achieving rule of law and good governance Marriyum Aurangzeb, opened the first Monday, 2nd June, 2014 session. She briefed the participants on the The 3-days National Parliamentary purpose and expected outcomes of the Conference on MDGs was held at the conference. ―This is the first time we have Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Affairs all met together, the national MDG Task starting from 2nd June. The conference was Force and the provincial MDG Task Forces. formally inaugurated by the Honourable This conference will help Parliamentarians Speaker of the National Assembly of to gain tools and techniques to achieve the Pakistan Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. National and MDGs.‖ provincial Task Forces on the MDGs Mr. Shakeel Ahmed, UNDP Policy Analyst, operating at the federal and provincial levels provided an overview of the current MDG participated in the conference. Experts from status and the post-2015 agenda. different areas of the MDGs also spoke in The first session of the conference, ―Peace dedicated sessions spanning three days. and Stability, Good Governance, Monitoring The conference was called in response to and Accountability: Driving Socio- UNDP research indicating that Pakistan economic Development Reforms‖ adopted 16 targets with 41 indicators. Of the highlighted the role of elected 34 indicators for which data is available, 24 representatives in ensuring rule of law as are off track and unlikely to be met by 2015. well as improving governance in Pakistan. The legislators will review current MDG The speakers included representatives of the status and work to determine a way forward.

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World Bank, UNDP and international law He was addressing the conveners and experts. Members of the task force of four Provincial UNDP Assistant Country Director Amir Legislatures, including AJK and Gilgit Goraya thanked the parliamentarians for Baltistan Assemblies. Some Senior gathering to discuss the development issues Parliamentarians members of Civil of the country. ―Parliamentarians can play a Society academia and Media were also pivotal role in achieving the MDGs,‖ he present on the occasion. said. Mr. Sadiq urged the democratic and Mr. Zubair Bhatti, World Bank Pakistan parliamentary force to rise above the Governance Chief, shared his experiences political divides and work with dedication working with elected representatives as a for the social and economic development of civil servant and the importance of their role the country. in development. ―Elected officials need to The Speaker termed the occasion as unique develop capable institutions that can reach and land mark in our parliamentary history down to the lowest tier of the society. You and said that meeting of MDGs will bring need to strike a balance between long-term social development and improve the quality development and managing your of life for the common people. constituency.‖ The parliament will play the role of International Law Expert Barrister Ahmar oversight in the development of the Social Bilal Soofi emphasised the need to legislate Sectors, he further said. He also praised the on MDG related subjects. ―Challenges of extensive turn out of the parliamentarians governances have increased in the post-18th and appreciated their commitment and amendment scenario,‖ he stated. resolve. We are determined to reduce The Speaker NA, Mr. Ayaz Sadiq urged the poverty, sickness and illiteracy, he added. law makers of the country to play the role of The Hon‘able Speaker also inter-acted with oversight in achieving the MDG targets. Tuesday, 3rd June, 2014 delegates of all provinces and shared views The Speaker, National Assembly, Mr. Ayaz on the conference, and exchange mutual Sadiq urged the law makers of the country to experiences. He praised the interest and play the role of oversight in achieving the involvement of MNA Ms: Maryem MDG targets. Mr. Sadiq encouraged the Aurengzeb in holding this conference and young legislators to pool in their knowledge and energies along with the donors, also appreciated the team work of international agencies to meet the targets set legislators, the Secretaries of PIPS and by the 8th Millennium Development National Assembly. While addressing the Goals. The Speaker was inaugurating the ceremony, he praised the role of Media and first ever National Workshop of cautioned them to act with responsibilities Parliamentarians at Pakistan Institute of while discharging their duties. The Parliament Services (PIPS) Islamabad on June 3. ceremony concluded with the delegates lightening the candle of hope and prosperity.

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therefore he nominated half of the members NA Speaker urges young parliamentarians to of Parliamentary Friendship Groups from play their role in country's progress younger age group keeping in view their Wednesday, 11th June, 2014 enthusiasm and energies. He said that all The level of debate in the Parliament has political parties and each province would be gone up in the recent years with more young given representation in the executive council parliamentarians being elected to the House. of YPF. He noted that the YPF of 13th These views were expressed by the Speaker National Assembly had played an active role National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq while and made good impression of the country speaking to the ceremony held to reactivate during their foreign visit to United States, the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) European Union and NATO Headquarters in on 11th June at Pakistan Institute of Brussels and to many other countries. He Parliamentary Services (PIPS). further stated that there were many donor The Speaker said that he believed in the agencies wanted to work with the Parliament capacities of young parliamentarians and and he would get the YPF through to them

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once they make up their yearly calendar of government. All major parties are activities. He told young lawmakers that represented by the senior parliamentarians. they can use the services of PIPS as support The government of Pakistan is looking for to their parliamentary functions. building constructive relationship with the The ceremony was also attended by the donor‘s country which contributed to the Minister of State for Information economy. The need to be recognized by the Technology and Telecommunication Ms. civil society and by the government, Mr. Anusha Rehman, former Deputy Speaker Laghari appreciated the contribution & National Assembly , and Cooperation of JICA fund in Pakistan. Member National Assembly Asiya Nasir. In his remarks Mr. Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki The elections for the posts of President, said that Pakistan & JICA enjoy 60 years of General Secretary, Joint Secretary and Cooperation. JICA wishes to bring Japanese Treasurer of YPF will be held on 12th June technology to Pakistan & focus technology in the chamber of Deputy Speaker National operation for big project simply for power Assembly, Murtaza Javed Abbasi. &agriculture sector. The Japanese add While addressing to the ceremony, Ms. agencies invested more than 50 million US $ Asiya Nasir recalled her experiences as in the power sector and also contributed 50 member of YPF in the previous National million US $ for Assembly. She said it would be third term of through W.H.O. YPF after successful experiences in 12th and Mr. Laghari while highlighting the visionary 13th National Assemblies. leadership of the Prime Minister Nawaz Pakistan and Japan are good trading partner Sharif, Said the 1st year of government has & the bi-lateral relationship will grow; stated strengthened the business & Economy in the by Mr. Awais Ahmad Khan Laghari country. The Prime Minister is taking Chairman Standing Committee on Foreign personal interest in empowering the youth Affairs National Assembly and women along with other marginalized Tuesday, 17th June, 2014 Pakistan and Japan are good by trading section of the society. partner & the bi-lateral relationship will According to Mr. Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki, grow under the leadership of Prime Japanese is single donor to Pakistan and Minister, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. gives special importance to its operation in The present government is focusing on Pakistan. Both sides agreed to hold a creating business & investment friendly seminar in Islamabad attended by the JICA policies. This was stated by Mr. Awais & Members of National Assembly Standing Ahmad Khan Laghari Chairman Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. In order to Committee on Foreign Affairs National attract more Japanese investment in Pakistan Assembly, welcoming Mr. Mitsuyoshi Mr. Laghari lead special emphasis Kawasaki, Chief Representative of JICA on community participation in development in 17th June. While Briefing Mr. Mitsuyoshi Micro-Financing schemes at gross roots Kawasaki, about the achievement of the level and Rural Areas need to be developed. Standing Committee Mr. Laghari said that NA Speaker & Deputy Speaker Congratulate nation on Advent of Ramazan the Standing Committee is now operating as Sunday, 29th June, 2014 a think tank for the government of Pakistan Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker and Murtaza on the issue relating the Foreign Policy. It Javed Abbasi, Deputy Speaker National advises the government on issues of Assembly have congratulated the nation on relationship of major contributions and its advent of Ramazan on Monday June 30, views are taken seriously by the 2014. In their separate congratulatory

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messages to the nation, the Speaker said that this Holy month with our brethren who have he is pleased to extend warm felicitation to been displaced from their homes due to all fellow citizens, many happy returns on ―Operation Zarb-e-Azab‖ against extremism the occasion of the arrival of blessed month and terrorism in North Waziristan. They of Ramazan. prayed to Almighty Allah to enable all of us The Speaker said that this month arrives to to do what he is pleased with, bless Pakistan purify souls and replenish them with faith, with peace, security and stability and piety and readiness for the life, thereafter. eliminate extremism and terrorism from the ―This magnanimous month comes to country. discipline the souls for tolerance, humanity Private-Public Cooperation is necessary to and shunning of haughtiness‖ he added. He meet residential deficiency in the Country: said that we should all plead to Almighty Deputy Speaker NA Allah for compassion and mercy, salvation Wednesday, 18th June, 2014

from misdeeds, strength to recite and understand Quran and teaching of Holy NA Speaker and Deputy Speaker condole the Prophet (PBUH). death of Haji Muhammad Saifullah Khan Sunday, 1st June, 2014 The Deputy Speaker said that in this Holy Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker and Murtaza month, Allah may grant us all stronger faith, Javed Abbasi, Deputy Speaker, National manifest expression of brotherhood, Assembly have condoled the death of Haji affection, adherence to Islam and Muhammad Saifullah Khan, former Minister philanthropy making us all one entity. of Religious Affairs and renowned Both the leaders urged upon all the constitutional expert. Pakistanis to share the joys and bounties of

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In their separate condolence messages, the grief and sorrow over the sad demise and Speaker and the Deputy Speaker expressed prayed for eternal peace of departed soul. their deep sense of grief and sorrow over the They also prayed for grant of strength and sad demise. They prayed to Almighty Allah fortitude to members of the bereaved family to shower his blessing on the departed to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity. soul and grant strength and fortitude to NA Speaker and Deputy Speaker condole the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss death of Nawab Khair Bukhsh Marri with equanimity. Thursday, 12th June, 2014 NA Speaker and Deputy Speaker condemn Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker and Murtaza terrorists attack at Karachi Javed Abbasi, Deputy Speaker, National Monday, 9th June, 2014 Assembly have condoled the death of Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker and Murtaza veteran politician, Nawab Khair Bukhsh Javed Abbasi, Deputy Speaker National Marri,. Assembly have strongly condemned the In their separate condolence messages, the terrorists attack at Karachi Airport and paid Speaker and the Deputy Speaker expressed rich tribute to the security personnel who their deep sense of grief and sorrow over the laid their lives in operation against the sad demise of Nawab Khair Bukhsh Marri. terrorists. They paid rich tribute to his services for the In their separate statements, the Speaker and strengthening of the democracy in the Deputy Speaker termed it a shameful act of country and the welfare of the people of the terrorism. They said that the elements Baluchistan. They prayed to Almighty involved in such activities were the enemies Allah to rest departed soul in peace and of humanity and the country. They said that grant strength and fortitude to the members such shameful acts could not deter the of bereaved family to bear the irreparable Government from its firm resolve to fight loss with equanimity. against terrorism. They were confident that NA Speaker and Deputy Speaker condemn the culprits involved in such activities will the murder of Handery Maseih, MPA, not be spared and will be brought to Balochistan Assembly justice. Saturday, 14th June, 2014 Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker and Murtaza They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the Javed Abbasi, Deputy Speaker National souls of martyred in eternal peace and Assembly have strongly condemned the sympathized with bereaved families and murder of Handery Masieh, MPA, prayed for early recovery of injured. Balochistan Assembly, who assassinated NA Speaker and Deputy Speaker condole the death of Zulfiqar Ali Balti today. Monday, 9th June, 2014 In their separate condolence messages the Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker and Murtaza Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed Javed Abbasi, Deputy Speaker, National sorrow and grief over the assassination of Assembly have condoled the death of Handery Masieh. They paid rich tribute to Zulfiqar Ali Balti, Personal Photographer of his services for the minorities. They Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian sympathized with member of the bereaved Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. family and asked the law enforcing In their separate condolence messages to authorities to apprehend the culprits and bereaved family, the Speaker and the bring them to justice. Deputy Speaker have paid rich tribute to the professional services of Zulfiqar Ali Balti. They expressed their deep sense of

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Deputy Speaker pays his tributes to Martyr Deputy Speaker expressed their deep sense Assistant Sub-Inspector of grief and sorrow over the passing away of Sunday, 15th June, 2014 his mother. They prayed to Almighty Allah Deputy Speaker National Assembly, to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and Murtaza Javed Abbasi has paid tribute to grant fortitude and courage to him and other Assistant Sub-Inspector ASF, Asad members of the family to bear the Shahnawaz who was martyred during the irreparable loss with equanimity. terrorist attack on Karachi Airport. He said NA Speaker and Deputy Speaker condemn that Asad laid down his life to protect the the killing of son of Senator Saleh Shah national assets and the Nation is proud of Thursday, 19th June, 2014 him. He announced to construct a road in Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Speaker and Murtaza Asad‘s native village which will be named Javed Abbasi, Deputy Speaker National after him and to give his brother a Assembly have strongly condemned the government job. killing of son of Senator Saleh Shah who The Deputy Speaker expressed his deep assassinated at Wana today. sympathy with the family of the martyre and In their separate messages to Senator Saleh prayed Almighty Allah to to rest his sould in Shah, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker eternal peace and grant courage to bereaved strongly condemned the assassination of family to bear his departure with patience his son and term it inhuman act of and courage. militancy and extremism. They said that whole the nation was united against the NA Speaker and Deputy Speaker condole the terrorism and such cowardice act cannot death of aunt of MQM Quaid Altaf Hussain deter the firm resolve of the government to Monday, 16th June, 2014 Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker and Murtaza fight against terrorism and militancy. They Javed Abbasi, Deputy Speaker National said that culprits involved in this tragic Assembly have condoled the death of Aunt incident would not be spared and brought to of MQM Quaid, Altaf Hussain. justice. They expressed their heartfelt grief In their separate condolence messages to over the tragic death of his son and prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul bereaved family the Speaker and Deputy in eternal peace and grant the courage to him Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and and other members of the family to bear the sorrow over the said demise. They prayed irreparable loss with equanimity. Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in NA Speaker and Deputy Speaker condole the eternal peace and grant courage to bereaved death of MNA, Tahira Asif Friday, 20th June, 2014 family to bear the loss with patience and Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Speaker forbearance. National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi NA Speaker, Deputy Speaker condole the have expressed their profound grief over the death of mother of Senior Journalist Rana sad demise of MQM Legislator Tahira Asif Ghulam Qadir, who was hospitalized after being injured by Tuesday, 17th June, 2014 the firing of the unknown assailants on Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker and Murtaza Wednesday. Javed Abbasi, Deputy Speaker National In their separate condolence messages to her Assembly of Pakistan have condoled the sad family, the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker demise of mother of Rana Ghulam Qadir, expressed their profound grief and sorrow Senior Journalist. over her death. Paying rich tributes to In their separate condolence messages to Tahira Asif, the Speaker and the Deputy Rana Ghulam Qadir, the Speaker and the

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Speaker said that she was a politician of Allah to shower his blessing over the high repute and a devoted social worker who departed soul and grant courage and strength rendered valuable contributions in to members of the bereaved family to bear legislative business during her tenure as the irreparable loss with equanimity. Member, National Assembly and worked for They also condoled the death of sister of the betterment of marginalized segments of Member National Assembly Ramesh Lal. In the society. Her services will be their separate condolence messages to remembered for a long time to come, they Ramesh Lal the Speaker and Deputy said. Speaker expressed grief and sorrow over the They said that the culprits involved in the sad demise of his sister and prayed for grant tragic incident wanted to destabilize the of fortitude and patience to him and other democratic process in the country. They said members of the family to bear this that culprits would be apprehended and irreparable loss. taken to task. They prayed to Almighty NA Speaker and Deputy Speaker condole the Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal death of Makhdoom Naveed-Uz-Zaman peace and grant courage to the bereaved Wednesday, 25th June, 2014 family to bear the irreparable loss with Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker and Murtaza equanimity. Javed Abbasi, Deputy Speaker, National NA Speaker and Deputy Speaker condole the Assembly have condoled the death of death of former MNA Pir Shujaat Qureshi Makhdoom Naveed-uz-Zaman younger Monday, 23rd June, 2014 brother of Makhdoom Amin Fahim. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker and Murtaza In their separate condolence messages to Javed Abbasi, Deputy Speaker, National Makhdoom Amin Fahim, the Speaker and Assembly have condoled the death of Deputy Speaker said that they were shocked seasoned politician and former MNA Pir to learn the sad news of death of his brother. Shujaat Qureshi. They expressed their deep sense of grief and In their separate condolence messages to sorrow over the sad demise. They prayed to bereaved family, the Speaker and Deputy Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in Speaker expressed their deep sense of grief eternal peace and grant courage and strength and sorrow over the passing away of Pir to him and other members of the family to Shujaat Qureshi. They prayed to Almighty bear this irreparable loss with equanimity.

Press Corner (Budget 2014-15)

The Budget: Fiction vs Reality Second, he gave an economic vision of the PML-N government to restore its intrinsic Dr Muhammad Yaqub vitality with a commitment ―to build an economy that is not dependent on others The News – June 5, 2014 except through trade and investment‖ and In presenting the budget for FY14, Finance promised ―to protect our economic Minister Dar had made four major sovereignty by refusing to live on handouts statements last June. First, that the PML-N and foreign goodwill‖. government ―inherited a broken economy‖.

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Third, that the government would ―limit imbalances that remain deeply entrenched. itself within the broader limits of resources‖ The minister gave a long list of economic determined by revenue collected through ‗achievements‘ relating to reserves, taxation and there was a promise of major exchange-rate appreciation, lowering of fiscal reforms to expand the tax base and government bank borrowing, reduced make it more equitable. Fourth, that the budget deficit, falling inflation and rising PML-N government would ―protect our rate of economic growth. What he did not weak and poor segments of population‖ explain was that these developments were from further economic hardships, which not the outcome of economic policy reforms implied that inflation would be brought pursued by the government but of the down and the fruits of development shared generosity of foreign lenders and foreign by all. remittances of the Pakistani labour force The finance minister was right about the working abroad – and some figure fudging ‗broken economy‘ but has turned out to be by his economic team. grossly inadequate in the fulfilment of the If the impact of exogenous factors and data lofty goals of the PML-N‘s economic vision fudging is taken out of the national income enunciated in his last year‘s budget speech. accounts, and budgetary, balance of But he could not muster courage to accept payments, exchange rate and monetary blame for his failure to make progress in developments, it would become very clear achieving the main goals of his economic that structurally the economy continues to vision of the last budget. Instead, he has remain on the same weak turf that was relied on two things to make the economic inherited by this government. situation look better than it is – dubious At the very outset of his speech, the finance accounting gimmickry and a massive effort minister claimed to have achieved in FY14 to obtain foreign loans and grants and use ―the highest growth rate in the last six them to cover up failures in undertaking years‖. The Institute of Policy Reforms has structural reforms. calculated that, when recalculated correctly, Unfortunately for the country, the IMF the real rate of growth of the GDP in FY14 abandoned its professional approach and ―is close to 3.5 per cent and not 4.1 percent, was very supportive of a patchwork to which means that the GDP growth rate in generate foreign exchange to ensure FY14 is lowest in the last four years‖. payments to itself and at the same time help According to the government‘s own data, the government to postpone difficult policy there was a sharp increase in reliance on measures. foreign loans in FY14 as compared with While an exhaustive review of the present FY13. What happened to the dreamland of state of the economy is not possible here, it self-reliance so eloquently explained by the is important we bring out the contrast finance minister last year has been between the fiction produced by the finance mentioned nowhere in the budget speech. minister in his budget speech and the ground Domestically, the government was not able realities of structural macroeconomic to mobilise additional tax revenues as

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projected by the finance minister and there In the circumstances, the proclamations of was a shortfall of Rs200 billion in revenue the finance minister in several different generation compared with the target for places in the budget speech that the ―health FY14. The fixed investment and export of the economy has been restored‖…, growth also fell well short of the budget ―Pakistan is much strong, healthy and targets. prosperous‖ now and that it has been ―put on A lower budget deficit has been realised on firm path of stability and growth‖ are, to say paper through innovative accounting the least, not true. techniques rather than tax reforms. Even Turning to the budget for FY15, the most then, if adjustments are made for clearance disappointing part of the finance minister‘s of circular debt by the present government speech was his setting lofty targets with no that became a part of the budget deficit for coherent macroeconomic policy framework FY13 or the new circular debt that has to back them up. In fact, the economic accumulated during the period of the present targets and micro economic policies government is added to the deficit for FY14, announced in the budget are mutually the budget deficit as a percentage of the inconsistent and cannot be fit into a coherent nominal GDP remains about the same in and consistent macroeconomic framework. both the years. He has set the target of achieving a growth The minister boasted of keeping inflation to rate of 7 percent by FY17 without a single digit but did not fully explain how explaining how he would finance an he could achieve it in the context of the investment level of 22 percent of the GDP to overhang of liquidity in the economy and achieve that target. There is no mention in continued excessive government bank his speech as to how he will increase the borrowing and money creation. If present low rate of domestic saving to the downwards biases introduced in the neighbourhood of about 18 percent of the construction of official price indices are GDP to achieve his investment target. In its removed, statistics could show that inflation absence, excessive borrowing will fuel remained in double digits in FY14. inflation and stand in the way of achieving As for the ―weak and poor‖ segments of the balance of payments viability and single population, their situation has gone from bad digit inflation target. He has also not to worse in the first year of the PML-N explained how the rate of saving could government. Their real incomes have fallen, increase in the context of negative real rate and they have continued to face rising of returns on financial savings. energy and electricity cost and a high rate of The minister has promised to keep the rate price increases of items of daily use. The of inflation to single digit by micro employment situation is no better and managing individual prices. Such micro- economic inequality has widened. One does management of prices is not effective in an not need to travel to to see expansionary macroeconomic setting. In grinding poverty. It can be seen on one‘s fact, expansionary [c1] fiscal and monetary way to the lush Raiwind farms. policies and fixed nominal exchange rate are

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inconsistent with the objective of lowering for all the vested interest groups of business rate of inflation, promoting export-led community. There is no mention of how growth and ensuring balance of payments those capital-intensive projects are to be viability. He has also shown no awareness of financed by the government along with the critical role of an autonomous central rising debt servicing, and mounting defence bank to contain monetary expansion and use expenditure. interest rate policy to realise the inflation Interestingly, and while there is no plan to target. expand the income tax base to agriculture The minister has set the target to reduce the and service sectors, there is a promise to budget deficit to 4 percent of the GDP, change the share of direct taxes in the tax increase tax revenue to 13 percent of GDP, mix. Most of the new revenue will be accelerate invest to 22 percent of the GDP generated in FY14 by withholding tax on and increase foreign exchange reserves to electricity bills, immovable properties, $22 billion in the next three years. These are interest income and dividends, cash laudable targets but their achievement is withdrawals which all are regressive in their contingent on the implementation of an incidence. internally consistent and strong package of If not for prudent economic management, macroeconomic policies that is missing from the Ministry of Finance is well-advised to the budget speech. develop a macroeconomic framework with There is no mention of structural taxation economic inter-linkages and put in it the reforms that could increase the tax-to- GDP budget targets and policies incorporated in ratio by about 4 percentage points of GDP in the budget to realise the folly of adopting an three years. At the same time, the budget has accounting approach to target setting and 74 ―mega projects of motorways, highways, policy formulation. bridges, tunnels and regional roads‖ and The writer is a former governor of the State new rail links, special projects and packages Bank of Pakistan.

Budget Thoughts oil, which cascades through the economy and impacts activity across the board. `A Khurram Husain stable exchange rate is the lynchpin of a – June 5, 2014 stable economy, ` he continued. IN his budget speech, Finance Minister It`s true that this government has stabilised Ishaq Dar referred to a stable exchange rate the exchange rate, and brought it to a level as one of his government`s biggest nobody really thought possible. Many achievements of the past year, referring to it speculators were burned in the process. It`s as the `single most important indicator of also true that the reserves position has been economic stability`. stabilised, and the fears of a potential The argument is that the exchange rate financial crisis that were so prominent the determines so many other prices, especially same time last year have now receded.

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But a view that sees a stable exchange rate the Musharraf government sometime in as `the lynchpin of a stable economy` could 2006 or 2007, the dilemma they faced was be more expensive to sustain than what the either to continue throwing scarce foreign minister has bargained for. Let`s recall that exchange at maintaining the exchange rate, the Musharraf government had also or admit defeat and allow a devaluation and committed itself to a stable exchange rate, thereby risk igniting speculative sentiment keeping the rupee steady at 60 to a dollar for against the rupee. almost half a decade. The finance minister took some pride in However, the policy angered exporters, and managing the country`s debt profile. He says consumed foreign exchange in growing foreign borrowing has increased while quantities. Eventually, the government domestic borrowing has gone down resorted to accommodating the exporters by substantially. Getting government out of doling out tax exemptions instead, and domestic debt markets was an important began to face tough choices when the precondition for growth since government inevitable balance of payments problems had been picking up all bank liquidity and arose in 2006, and accelerated throughout then some, leaving nothing behind for 2007. private investors in a classic case of Something along those lines appears to `crowding out`. already be under way. The present budget Not only that, the minister says replacing provides textile exporters with tax domestic with foreign borrowing improves drawbacks in varying quantities provided the quality of the debt, since foreign loans they increase their export receipts by 10pc. have `low cost and longer tenors`, whereas Mark up on two key lending facilities for the stock of domestic debt came at very high exporters the export refinance rate and the interest and was increasingly denominated long-term financing facility have both been in short tenors of three to six months only. reduced by two percentage points. He says the amount of money saved on debt Duty-free import of machinery will servicing, as a result of this shift from continue. In time look for these measures to domestic to foreign borrowing, is Rs24bn. widen, and more provisions offering tax and This is fair enough, but there is one other benefits to exporters to start creeping drawback to foreign borrowing that he in, partially as a consequence of the doesn`t mention: servicing of foreign loans commitment to a stable exchange rate. is in foreign exchange, making continued Nobody denies that a stable exchange rate reserve accumulation all the more crucial. brings some benefits, but it`s debatable Some notable increases in expenditures whether it should be given the kind of include defence, which has enjoyed steady importance the finance minister gave it in 10pc increases over the past five years at the budget speech. least, not including those portions of the The problem with hanging your hat on the defence outlays that are embedded in the exchange rate is that it becomes a test case civilian budget. when the tide turns. When that happened to

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This year, the hike in defence spending is a budgeted Rs 165bn as subsidies for little larger still, more than Rs70bn, taking Wapda/Pepco, but ended up paying Rs245bn the total to Rs700bn. Greater transparency in instead. the defence budget is a crucial element of This year they`ve budgeted Rs156bn, a sign strengthening democracy, as is greater they intend to get tough with the power parliamentary say in the framing of the bureaucracy, a signal further clarified by the threat assessment on which defence appointment of Nargis Sethi as secretary , allocations are based. water and power. Things are about to get A very large allocation has been made for a interesting in the power sector. system of roads and highways in connection The budget is fairly typical of Mian Sahib: with the North-South corridor Rs113bn for friendly to big business, stubbornly wedded 74 projects to build roads and highways all to outdated notions, grandiose road-building the way from Karachi and Gwadar to projects passed off as infrastructure Khunjerab. investment, and so on. A lot of visible Big boosts have also been given to the activity is about to get under way, but how railways Rs77bn as well as the National much it`ll all mean depends on the structural Income Support Programme, which includes changes they`re able to implement. the BISP and the Prime Minister`s Youth The writer is a business journalist based in Programme, increased from Rs75bn to Karachi. Rs118bn. Subsidies have been brought down very optimistically. Last year, the government

PERSPECTIVE

The Articles published in this section present the views of writer and do not necessarily reflect the policy of Gazette or National Assembly Secretariat. Miseries of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and our responsibilities

Ashtar Hussain YPA, National Assembly Secretariat

As the operation ‗Zarb-e-Azb‘ vacate the areas. This had led to assert a is launched in the North great pressure on the neighboring areas, Waziristan Agency (NWA), while the IDPs themselves are facing on June 15, 2014, a mass of unbearable difficulties. Despite the IDPs, the population is required to perhaps none can feel the pain they are

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going through, as this is the extreme of the Geographically, NWA is one of the pain to vacate your home for an un- mountainous regions of Federally announced duration of time. Thus they leave Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), where their homes and are compelled to live either people depend mostly on horse and sheep in the IDPs Camps or to live with their breeding for their livelihood. Being the rural relatives (if any) in the settled areas. Here belt, majority of the population (almost this is worth mentioning, that the social more than 60%) is below poverty line. In capital – existing in the Pakistan in general such situations it is difficult for them even to while in the Pashtoon Customary in vacate their homes and when they do, they particular – is one of the greatest supports cannot bring their belongings with them. which the IDPs have in such conditions. But There are many other issues which is Pushtoons – being famous for their another topic to have discussion on. traditions – do not prefer to become a burden on someone else for long time. In such situations where our beloved country is confronted with so many challenges – As the operation is launched in extremely terrorism being the most hazardous for the hot weather, and is now entered in the economic growth and prosperity – we must Month of Ramadan, the life in camps support and pray for Pak Army and the becomes miserable. The camp life is full of Security Agencies to be done with troubles, as the basic needs are merely successful operation with less causalities. provided to the IDPs on such a short notice, The Security Agencies are physically with a very much high number of almost 0.5 involved in the operation, while the IDPs are million registered IDPs. Any outbreak of confronting agonies, contributing to the infectious diseases; un-availability of the cause. What come in the public basic needs, i.e. water, food, sanitation, responsibilities are to support the Security especially for women; lack of medicine; Agencies to boost their morals, while take a power shortage; and over-crowding are very much good care of the IDPs to provide some of the other problems which add more them with due facilities. The aid providing fuel to the fire. In the previous incidents of agencies – government or non-government natural disasters and different military organisations – must make it sure to utilize operation, it is observed frequently that the all the available resources with efficient and ration of the IDPs was being sold in the a fair mechanism. This is the time to come markets. There have also been the issues of together and fight against terrorism, either the corruption. way we can.

Long live Pakistan!

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Pakistan Protection Ordinance

Hira Mushtaq YPA, National Assembly Secretariat

The essay provides a prevention of acts threatening the security of summary of the Pakistan Pakistan. Protection Ordinance and the criticism on the ordinance. The Pakistan Protection Ordinance has The emphasis is given to under the Scheduled offences prescribed access the grounds that provide space for certain offences that will come under the making special laws to deal with them. course of PPO. The definition clause of PPO includes enemy alien term for all such What is Pakistan Protection Ordinance? persons who fail to establish their citizenship of Pakistan or are deprived of The President of Pakistan enforced Pakistan such citizenship by virtue of involvement in Protection Ordinance 2013 on December 5 scheduled offences. 2013 through a Statutory Regulatory Order. It was laid before the National Assembly on Section 3 of PPO has given powers to November 7, 2013. The amendments were officer of the police, armed forces and civil introduced later on under the name armed forces in certain aspects like use of Protection of Pakistan (Amendment) such force as may be deemed necessary and Ordinance on 22nd January 2014. It was appropriate against a person committing or presented to the National Assembly On likely to commit scheduled offence. January, 30 2014 and to the Senate On The section 5 of the PPO has declared all the February 05, 2014. On February 7, 2014, the National Assembly of Pakistan, the lower scheduled offences provided under this house of the country's legislature, passed a ordinance as cognizable and non-bailable. resolution to extend three anti-terrorism This section has an important impact as bail ordinances for a 120-day period, including of hardened terrorist comes up as a big the Protection of Pakistan Ordinance obstacle on the way of combating terrorism. (PPO).The report on the Protection of Under the section 5(3) Where it appears that Pakistan (Amendment) Bill, 2014 was inquiry cannot be completed within the presented to the House By the Chairman period of twenty-four hours the accused National Assembly Standing Committee On shall be produced before the Special Judicial Interior, Rana Shamim Ahmed Khan, MNA magistrate to apply for remand by the head On April 02, 2014. On April 07, 2014 The of Joint Investigation Team. Section 5(4) National Assembly Passed the Protection of provides that Judicial Magistrate may Pakistan (amendment) Bill 2014 PPO is an remand the accused but the period may not Ordinance to provide for protection against exceed sixty days. waging of war against Pakistan and the

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Under the same section is provided structures and methods of the security mechanism of investigation and inquiry services which, by their very nature, tended where a Joint Investigation Team shall be to be more secretive and less directly established. accountable to the general citizenry.1

Section 6 of the PPO provides for preventive Countries across the globe have developed detention where a person can be detained special laws to combat the emerging terrorist not more than ninety days if there are activities. Australia is one among those grounds to infer that person acting in a countries that have passed new laws manner prejudicial to security, integrity or regarding terrorism and the positive result of defense of Pakistan. this legislation in Australia - apart from any effect it might have had on preventing Section 19 of the PPO provides that an terrorist acts was to clarify a number of legal appeal against the final judgment of a issues which had either become dubious Special court shall lie to the High Court. over the years or which had not been PPO also provides for the establishment of updated to reflect a socially, economically special courts and the Joint Investigation and technologically complex 21st century Team will submit their report to special society. courts upon completion of investigation. Burden of proof shall also lie on the Causes of terrorism: accused. Ethnic strife erupts in one part of the region Why Such Laws are required? or another from time to time. The major causes of this are political alienation, Many democracies have implemented laws grievances that can be blamed on others and specifically to fight terrorism, including as a by-product of poverty and hostility. nations which had hitherto lived in relative Transnational terrorists are recruited from peace. Some of them are explicitly titled populations with no voice in their own 'anti-terrorism', some are branded as government and see no legitimate way to 'patriotic' while others are amendments to promote change in their own country. Most existing criminal codes. of these factors are issues of governance and Terrorism has existed for centuries in many economic policy. countries under different names and guises The particularly disturbing fact is that some such as militant nationalism, separatism and of the causes of the present violence independence movements. emanate from processes which are simply Because the so-called ‗war‘ against beyond the jurisdiction of the nation-state. terrorism could not be fought along The men of violence in our midst including conventional lines, with military responses the suicide bombers, are frequently driven to organized aggression, the new laws tried 1 to be pre-emptive and to rely more on the http://www.thenewsmanual.net/Resources/medialaw_ in_australia_06.html

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by a self-image of participating in a larger, interior secretary can authorize detention for almost global, struggle in which their nation not more than 90 days, is also in violation of state in their judgment, is aligned with the the human rights declaration and the rights forces of evil. They target institutions of covenant, both of which have been ratified society in the hope of breaking that nexus. by Pakistan.4 In this sense, violence is part of an insurrection that transcends national A lot of criticism came out of the discussion boundaries. generated on the comparative analysis of the PPO with reference to Constitution 0f James Kurth professor of political science Pakistan and the international covenants of wrote an essay under the title ―Splitting UDHR and ICCPR to which Pakistan is Islam‖. Contemplating the best options to signatory. In total the PPO violates defeat the global Islamic insurgency directed approximately 67 clauses of Constitution of at the United States, its allies and the , UDHR and ICCPR, a couple of more generally he discuss in detail the examples of the criticism are given below: benefits of encouraging a Shia-Sunni split strategy.2  The PPO has given Armed and civil The terrorism is thus not the product of forces the powers of firing even on national factors it has certain factors linked apprehension of Scheduled offenses. to it that are outside the ambit of national This clause is in contradiction of the policies. Article 9 of , Article 2 of UDHR and Article 6, Criticism on PPO: clause 1 of ICCPR.  The PPO also provides the Armed The Pakistan Protection Ordinance (PPO) and civil forces to arrest any person 2013 not only violates human rights on reasonable suspicion without conventions, it might also suppress political having any arrest warrant. This and civil rights movements in Pakistan, said 3 clause is in violation of the Article human rights advocates. 10 of Constitution Of Pakistan, The analysis showed the PPO 2013 violated Article 2, 9 & 12 of UDHR and 5 Article 9 and 10 (1) of the Constitution by Article 9 clause 1 of ICCPR. allowing law enforcement officials to fire Lawyers maintain that several sections of even on apprehension of scheduled offences the PPO that relate to lawful way of arrest and arrest without warrant on reasonable based on solid evidence, right of legal help, suspicion. The preventive detention clause

of the PPO 2013, which states that the 4 http://tribune.com.pk/story/638516/pakistan- protection-ordinance-new-law-voted-down-by-rights- advocates/ 2 5 http://www.spopk.org/spo/index.php/spo- http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/spl resources/news-and-media-spo/386-consultation-on- itting-islam/ pakistan-protection-ordinance-ppo-2013- 3 http://www.nation.com.pk/islamabad/15-Dec- implications-for-human-political-legal-rights-of-the- 2013/protection-of-pakistan-ord-enforced citizen

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recourse to court, protection against torture property then it is fair to take legal inter alia are inconsistent with certain action intended for the said articles of the Constitution of Pakistan such property.6 as: Comparative Analysis:  Article 9 which talks about one‘s The PPO is stated to provide for speedy right to live with freedom (as per trials of offences falling under the Schedule their own will) unless it contradicts of the PPO and to protect against waging of law. war against Pakistan and prevent acts  Article 10, which deals with some of threatening security of Pakistan. The logical the crucial fundamentals of arresting grounds for the PPO cannot be ascertained a person. A person who is arrested or in the presence of Anti-Terrorism taken into custody has the right to Amendment Act 2013. After incorporating consult a legitimate practitioner in amendments the Anti-Terrorism Act has regard to his defense. Person arrested been made stronger. It provides for should be presented before a preventive detention for 30 days, forfeiture magistrate within 24 hours of the of the property of terror suspects, arrest, and cannot be detained longer interception of communication between than that unless authorized by the suspects etc. magistrate. This however, does not apply to any person under preventive In the United Kingdom there are five major detention. Anti-Terrorism legislations. 7As compared  10 A speaks about the right to fair to the preventive detention of ninety days trial that a person holds in regard to incorporated in the Pakistani legislation and any criminal charges filed against enemy aliens facing unlimited detention in him. the UK conditions are imposed on the  Article 14 provides protection movement of suspected persons via a control against torture ; in case of extracting orders. evidence, no person shall be subject to torture and violation of a person‘s Anti-Terrorism laws were also introduced in dignity and invading one‘s privacy that was also subjected to of home is proscribed amendments. The current Indian Terrorism  Article 24 talks about one‘s property law imposes burden of proof upon the police rights. A person‘s property cannot be as compared to PPO where burden of proof lies on the accused. The bail can be applied taken into possession if it does not contradict law in any way.

Nonetheless, if prevention of danger, 6 http://crss.pk/story/5709/crss-critique-of-the- safety measures for the public and protection-of-pakistan-ordinance-ppo/ 7 other humanitarian issues are the Terrorism Act 2000, Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, Prevention of Terrorism Act reason for taking over somebody‘s 2005, Terrorism Act 2006 and Counter-Terrorism Act 2008.

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as per normal CrPc provisions in India while however, is to ensure the law is not misused PPO has made all scheduled offences non- and only holds people to account who bailable. challenge and violate the writ of the state and endanger the lives of the innocent Conclusion: citizens.

All over the world, special laws have been It is time that we put aside our parochial promulgated to deal with terrorism and political contests for some time and develop insurgencies, and the inherent powers for a national exit strategy. Pakistan Protection legislation cannot be challenged on the ordinance has a significance which lies in matters that bring peace. In many cases, the way the law is used. Right to life is a these laws do not conform to the high bench human right but it ceases to exist for person mark of fundamental rights of the citizens, who infringes others right to life. This is the but in the greater interest of the society Islamic law as well. compromises are made even in most advanced democratic countries. The need,

Youth and Politics

Afsana Afsar YPA, National Assembly Secretariat

I remember during my government and opposition and knows that undergraduate studies, once Sheikh Rashid gives good ratings to a show. our teacher told us that during his school days he The youth is undoubtedly much more used to bunk classes to watch informed and educated today. The number film in cinema. According to him, it was the of young parliamentarians in Pakistan is only entertainment at that time, but today increasing with every election in Pakistan. politics has replaced movies and even his Similarly the count of women three year old grandson enjoys it. Parliamentarians is also growing. Young parliamentarians have been a part of every This made me realize that how the media elected National Assembly, but their number has made politics sensationalized and has exceeded during the 2013 elections. The entertaining. The breaking news of some recent Young Parliamentarians Forum politician having fake degree or heated (YPF) election is an example of that. arguments between politicians in a current affairs program is nothing less entertaining In the recent elections the minimum age of than a movie. Politics undoubtedly caters to elected parliamentarians has become very a larger audience today. Even a small child much closer to that of eligibility i.e. 25 senses it when there is a clash between years. This is in itself a good sign for our political system. I remember when I was

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young, if somebody asked me what I would the previous one that I was part of i.e. Youth want to be when I grow up. My only answer Parliament. As both of these programmes was to become a doctor. In fact most of the had different focuses, they were fairly girls wanted to be a doctor and for boys it different from each other. But one thing was probably an engineer or a pilot. The common was that my colleagues in both the idea of studying social sciences was a big projects were educated, competitive and had no-no at that time. But today what I am glad a sound knowledge of national and to witness is that firstly the options have international politics. After having an become varied and secondly politics has a extensive interaction with the talented cream quiet prominent place in that list. Today if u of Pakistan, I came to the analysis that ask a kid about his or her future professional undoubtedly we have the best raw material options, politician being the answer has in the world in terms of youth, all we need is quite a good chance. polishing and then we have no competition.

Also given that a huge amount of money Quaid e Azam regarded youth as the greatest was involved in politics and electoral asset and repeatedly emphasized the role of process, people belonging to financially youth in politics. In fact he saw the young weaker backgrounds remained away from men and women as the leaders of tomorrow. the scenario of politics. Earlier parents themselves were reluctant of politics and This made me remember one of my visits to allowing their children to enter politics was the National Assembly of Pakistan as part of a big deal then. For most, it started from the the Youth Parliament delegate. We were school or college council and ended right sitting in the visitor‘s gallery and watching there. Only few of them could make it the session. As we were comparing the real happen after that. The rest of the big names parliamentary proceedings and that of our in politics usually came from political mock, one of my colleagues said that seeing family backgrounds. Hence politics was this attitude of the politicians in the house I confined only to a few families. But today will never enter such a system. Hearing this, the picture is totally opposite. Media has my senior colleague commented that you changed the political landscape especially in cannot change a system from outside, to fix Pakistan. Apart from that a lot of projects a system you have to be a part of it. I totally regarding youth have been introduced in the agreed to this statement. recent past. Young Parliamentary Associates I think now is the time for the youth to take programme, Youth Parliament and the responsibility and play their role in the initiatives like these are surely proving to be conventional political system of Pakistan. remarkable when it comes to orientation of For example for practical understanding of the political system for the youth. politics, different projects can be initiated at After becoming a Young Parliamentary university level and beyond. Similarly Associate, unconsciously I started to make academic courses may be offered to comparisons between this programme and enlighten the youth on different political

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systems. So if we want to take Pakistan this system. Our collective efforts will lead forward in its true sense then we as youth us to a better Pakistan. need to participate and try hard to improve

Acknowledgement

We are thankful to Speaker Office, Deputy Speaker Office, Media, IR, IPR, Questions Branch, PMU, Women‘s Parliamentary Caucus, Automation, Library and all other departments/offices/ branches of National Assembly Secretariat for providing us the valuable information and support for the National Assembly of Pakistan Gazette.

Editorial Board

Executive Editor Tahir Hanfi (DG, Research Centre)

Chief Editor Ch. Mukhtar Ahmed (Director, Research Centre)

Editor Sardar Ali Haidery (Research Officer)

Co-Editor Munirullah Khan (Young Parliamentary Associate)

Programmer Ehtisham-ul-Haq

Cameraman Zafar Sultan

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