National Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain has directed Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sher Afgan Niazi to ensure the presence of either the ministers or parliamentary secretaries during the question hour. Sher Afgan was further asked to probe why a number of ministers are absent from the Assembly on Friday to answer the questions.
As soon as the question hour started it was noted by the members that two ministers were not present to answer questions pertaining to their ministries. The opposition was quite angry on the indifferent attitude of the ministers and strongly protested to the Speaker.
Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal's Dr Farid Ahmad Paracha pointed out to the Speaker that this was not the first time that ministers were missing from the Assembly, adding that his previous admonitions to the ministers have gone unheeded.
Liaquat Baloch joined in, saying that there seems to be lack of co-ordination in the government circles. This should end to make the question hour more effective and meaningful.
Noor Jehan Panezai of treasury benches and MMA's Hafiz Hussain Ahmad also showed their annoyance over the situation. Observing the absence of the respective ministers from the house, and admitting to the concern of the opposition, which, he said, is right and justified, the Speaker expressed his displeasure and directed Sher Afgan to find out the reasons and ensure their presence in future.
Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Khan Ghauri and the absence of his parliamentary secretary could not be ascertained, despite Sher Afgan's effort, who expressing his regret, said, this is the first time that the minister or his representative is absent without prior intimation. However, Minster for Communications Shamim Siddiqui was attending the Senate, where he was tied up in the discussions relevant to his ministry, as was told by parliamentary secretary for defence Major Tanvir Hussain Syed (Retd).