The government on Tuesday plainly refused to break the silence on a secret crackdown against the radical elements of infamous Lal Masjid in Islamabad despite insistence by opposition senators who pressed for a briefing on the issue. Colonel Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi (Retd), a senator of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), moved an adjournment motion in Senate, seeking a debate on the crackdown of Lal Masjid elements, after intelligence agencies confirmed its links with militant outfits such as ISIS.
Speaking for the admissibility of the adjournment motion, he said that security forces have started a secret crackdown on Lal Masjid fugitives after intelligence agencies confirmed their links with militant outfits. "A secret crackdown against Lal Masjid fugitives was undertaken by intelligence agencies after they were found in constant contact with militant organisations prominently Daesh and other proscribed militant groups in Pakistan," he added.
He continued that the reports of secret crackdown against extremist elements, associated with Lal Masjid is commendable, adding the government should continue such crackdown as contacts with a terror outfits from federal capital by a hard-liner - Maulana Abdul Aziz - is a serious threat to the security of the state. He said that 89 people belonging to 'Ghazi Force' - a militant group formed in 2007 by the infamy preacher of Lal Masjid Maulana Abdul Aziz - have been arrested in various operations during the last two months in the Punjab.
The MQM senator said that 278 members of Ghazi Force are under surveillance, adding, "The law enforcing agencies have also killed more than 35 suspected militants in intelligence-based operations in various parts of the Punjab". He questioned the inability of the government to arrest Maulana Abdul Aziz - the preacher of the Red Mosque - despite all the evidence for his links with militant organisations.
But, the State Minister for Interior Baleegur Rehman opposed the calling attention notice tooth nail, saying there are so many cases against the cleric hence the government could not brief the house on the issue. Senators Noman Wazir of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) took exception to chair's ruling after he dropped the calling attention notice, saying he did not find it in order for admissibility.
MOTION: The Upper House of Parliament adopted a motion, empowering chairman Senate to nominate senators for the 20-member parliamentary panel formed by Speaker National Assembly, which will give its recommendation to revisit National Accountability Ordinance, 1999.
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Zahid Hamid moved the motion in the house which was unanimously adopted by the House. After the 20-mmeber parliamentary committee comprising MNAs and senators is formed, it will give its recommendations for amendment in NAB Ordinance, 1999.
RESOLUTION: The House passed a unanimous resolution, paying glowing tributes to the martyrs and heroes of armed forces who defended the motherland with what it said 'characteristic courage, sacrifices and determination'.
The resolution moved by leader of the house in Senate Raja Zafarul Haq stated that 51 years ago when our cowardly neighbour launched a war of aggression against Pakistan, the entire nation was united to combat and defeat the aggressor.
"The kind of morale and unity that was demonstrated during that period was unprecedented...it showed the spirit of resilience and resistance of the Pakistani nation, with the people of Pakistan at their back, foiling the nefarious designs of the enemy," it added.
It further said that the biggest lesson as we mark the Defence of Pakistan Day is that a nation united can never be defeated, adding let it not be forgotten that the Kashmir dispute was the catalyst for the 1965 war, and then, as today the people of Jammu and Kashmir have not only rejected the Indian occupation but are resisting Indian atrocities with all the spirit that an unarmed people can muster, namely, the realisation that Right is Might.
"The Senate of Pakistan reaffirms its resolve to continue supporting our valiant Armed Forces for their sacrifices to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan so that there is an abiding peace, security and stability in our region as the core cause of conflict and instability will be removed and the country attains economic self-sufficiency," it added.
Colonel Mashahdi (Retd) and Lieutenant General Salahuddin Termizi (Retd), the two retired military officers, said that the way India had to face a humiliating defeat in 1965, became possible as the whole nation stood behind the armed forces of Pakistan.
Both the former military officers who are now senators had taken part in 1965 war, recalled that the performance of all the forces - Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy - was outstanding and this was the reason the enemy had to run away with its tail between its legs.
In somewhat emotional speeches, despite limited resources, the military won 1965 war as the whole nation stood behind it, adding the armed forces of Pakistan are better equipped than 1965 and fully capable to give a humiliating defeat to the enemy.
BILL: The Pakistan Engineering Council (Amendment) Bill, 2016, was presented in the House, which was referred to the concerned standing committee for further consideration and report back to the House.
Minister for Law and Justice Zahid Hamid laid a copy of the money bill, the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2016, laid in Senate, for making recommendation. The chair issued directives to senators to give their recommendations within ten days.
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