Blackwater and DynCorp issues: opposition legislators demand Malik's resignation for misguiding Senate

The Senate witnessed a stormy debate on the presence of Blackwater and DynCorp in Pakistan with opposition legislators demanding the resignation of Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik for misguiding the House on the issue. The issue was raised in the Upper House of the Parliament on Friday by Senator Zafar Ali referring to the contradictory statement of US Defence Secretary, Robert Gates and Minister for Interior on the issue.
Shah staged a walk out when Chairman did not give any ruling on this issue. Speaking on a point of order, Shah said that both Blackwater and DynCorp are operating in Pakistan while the Minister has been denying the presence of these organisations in Pakistan. He said that the government should clarify whether Robert Gates is right or Rehman Malik.
Shah said that this is a question of national importance and the Chairman Senate should give ruling on this issue. He added that the inaccurate statement of Interior Minister on the floor of the House is a breach of trust with this august House as well as the entire nation.
PML-N Senator expressed dismay over the statement of US Defence Secretary, Robert Gates who threatened Pakistan of dire consequences if Blackwater and DynCorp personnel were not allowed to work. It is open challenge to sovereignty of the country and silence of the government is creating doubts.
He said that these organisations are involved in bomb blasts and kidnappings throughout the country and law enforcement agencies are looking helpless in front of these organisations. Federal Information Minister Qamaruz Zaman Kaira said that as the Minister for Interior was not present in the House the issue be kept pending until his presence.