Combined opposition on Saturday linked their participation in the proposed parliamentary panel on earthquake to replacement of Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (ERRA) and Federal Relief Commission (FRC) heads with civilians.
Opposition leaders told a news conference here at the parliament house after hectic deliberations and review of the government's comments on their terms of reference for becoming part of the proposed committee.
It looks unlikely that the government would fulfil the demand of removing two generals as ERRA and FRC heads.
"We don't want the proposed committee to take away administrative powers from the government. But what we want is whatever is done relating to relief, rehabilitation or reconstruction is duly approved by the committee," opposition leaders said.
They met in the chamber of opposition leader in the Senate Mian Raza Rabbani and decided not to be part of the committee with two generals heading the ERRA and FRC.
Those who attended the meeting were Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Nisar Ali Khan, Raza M. Raza, Liaquat Baloch and Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri.
The opposition has again written to the government seeking appointment of civilian heads of ERRA and FRC, who could be held accountable and be answerable to the parliament as well.
"We are for the proposed committee and want to contribute toward alleviation of earthquake victims' sufferings and help them get rehabilitated," Maulana Fazl said during a briefing after their meeting.
Opposition parties are aware of the importance of the committee, but want it to be powerful and independent, ensuring rehabilitation and reconstruction in a transparent manner, he added.
Maulana Fazl emphasised it was imperative to maintain confidence of foreign and local donors in the gigantic task of relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
He was hopeful the government would remove their reservations and ensure the proposed committee after coming into effect would effectively discharge its functions.
To a question, he alleged the biggest and only hurdle in the way of national solidarity and unity was the military dominance of the state.
Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy (ARD) chairman Amin Fahim strongly advocated for civilians heading the post-earthquake-related bodies. "We want these bodies to properly function with transparency," he remarked.
Nisar Ali Khan insisted the proposed committee could be called a special committee, adding if the government and opposition agree, it could be turned into a parliamentary committee for which the opposition could help the government in getting through a piece of legislation from the parliament.
Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) leader charged bulk of the aid had already been spent while for the usage of remaining grants, appointments had already been made unilaterally. Even after two months of the constitution of the committee, the opposition was still willing to be part of it and wants to cooperate with the government, Nisar said.
"Since no general is answerable to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) or the general headquarters, therefore, we want ERRA and FRC to be headed by civilians," Raza Rabbani said.
Liaquat Baloch asked the government not to impede rehabilitation and reconstruction and he alleged the infrastructure erected under military had failed to deliver.
He claimed increased military involvement in civilian affairs was increasing irritation among masses.
Comments
Comments are closed.