Speaker National Assembly Dr Fahmeeda Mirza has said that parliament would remain under threat until the constitutional package was adopted. Speaking at a luncheon hosted by her in the honour of editors of national newspapers and senior journalists at Parliament House here on Saturday.
She asserted as Kalabagh Dam is a disputed issue hence it is of no use to debate it in the parliament. She pointed out that there are certain clauses in the Constitution which negate supremacy of the Parliament. Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi, Secretary National Assembly and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
Dr Mirza said that under the 1973 Constitution Parliament is a supreme body. She added that the press is very important pillar of the state. She informed that allowing direct coverage of the parliament's proceedings is under consideration and some equipment have also been procured.
The NA Speaker said that people have attached great hopes with the Parliament and Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, political workers and media sacrificed a lot for democracy. The present government has come into power after eight years of dictatorial rule in the country, she added. She urged the media to highlight "positive aspects" rather than "glorifying" the negative viewpoint.
The Speaker said that Budget Session is very lengthy one, therefore, members should ensure their presence in the house for the smooth functioning of the august body. She assured that better facilities will be provided to the media for the coverage of the Budget session.
To a question she said that in the past leader of the opposition was not nominated for two years, but "we nominated the opposition leader in the very first session". She further said that in the coming session election of the Standing Committees will be taken up and opposition will also get chairmanship of certain committees.