Rabbani flayed over raising point of order

Minister for parliamentary Affairs, Sher Afgan Niazi criticised leader of the opposition, Raza Rabbani during Senate session on Monday for raising point of order pertaining to current increase in oil and gas prices. Sher Afgan Niazi said, " I know he is the leader of opposition but he has no command over rules and procedures, he should forward a motion in the Senate on the issue".
Earlier, Raza Rabbani raised a point of order on the issue, saying: "present government has adopted a policy to burden the common man as there is a record increase in the rates of petroleum and gas.
He said the petrol rate has been increased by Rs. 5.50 per litre, diesel Rs. 2.80, Kerosene Rs. 3.80 in the span of 45 days, while, gas rates were also raised by 8.25 percent.
CNG rates have also increased by Rs 1.50 per kg, he added.
Rabbani said: "Joint opposition strongly condemns high increase in petroleum and gas prices, which directly affects the common man and demanded that the decision must be taken back by the government."
Senator Asfand Yar Wali condemned the statement given by Senator Sher Afgan Niazi saying, "the treasury wishes that the Parliament should proceed according to their will and opposition should not demand its rights".
Senator, Professor Khursheed condemned the issue of hike oil and gas prices and demanded that the policy must be reviewed and changed.
State Minister, Omar Ayub while answering on a point of order said that oil and gas prices are being increased according to international petroleum prices as government has given Rs 4 billion subsidy to control the rates of petroleum and gas and government was paying Rs 98 million to keep the KESC running, so its privatisation is totally in favour of the government.
The minister for Privatisation, Hafeez Sheikh said that according to the agreement, tariff rates of the KESC would be set by the Nepra and not by the KESC itself.
He added that according to the agreement there will be 20 percent increase in the salaries of employees and 10 percent shares will be given to the KESC employees, and additional training will be given to the staff as the company has no idea of retrenchment.