The leader of the Opposition in NWFP Assembly, Akram Khan Durrani, has criticised adjournment of the proceedings of NWFP assembly till February 15, 2010 as excess of the powers of the speaker, and announced that it would be challenged in it the court of law.
Addressing a press conference here in the Chamber of Opposition leader in NWFP Assembly on Tuesday, he said that adjournment of the proceedings of the assembly by the speaker for a long period of 20 days was unconstitutional. He added that after consultation with lawyers it would be challenged in the court.
He said that the legislature makes legislation and its disrespect would become a precedent for future. He said that a session summoned by the Governor could not be adjourned for a period of more than two days. He said that with the adjournment of the proceedings of the house for a long period, the speaker had exceeded his powers.
The leader of the opposition said that PML-N was not supporting joint opposition in the NWFP Assembly while MMA, PPP-Sherpao and PML-Q lack the strength required for convening of the session. With the support of PML-N, the opposition will be in a position to convene meeting on any issue. However, presently the joint opposition is not such a position.
Akram, a former chief minister, said that the government had not convened the session for the resolution of the problems and legislation, but its aim was completion of the 70 working days of the parliamentary year. He also criticised the procedure adopted for approval of the Local Government Amendment Bill from the house. He announced that the opposition would continue support with the nazims both in their agitation and in courts.
Meanwhile, NWFP Assembly Speaker Kiramatullah Khan defended the adjournment of the proceedings for a period of 20 days and said that he had always followed the constitution, law and rules in adjournment of the proceedings of the assembly till February 15. He said that if someone was interested in moving the court then he should fill his desire. He outrightly rejected the allegation of exceeding his powers while presiding the proceedings of the house.
He said that he had not used the powers of Governor during the proceedings and allegations in this regard were untrue and uncalled for. The speaker said that instead of making allegations, the leader of opposition should bring change in his behaviour and attitude. He said that the leader of opposition himself usurped the rights of others and spoke more than others on every issue.
He said that the talk of Akram regarding legislation was unacceptable as during last two years, he had taken no interest in this regard. Neither Akram had presented any bill nor had made any attempt for removal of any lacuna in the laws for the resolution of the problems of the people. "If the leader of opposition really wants to move the court, then he should fulfil his desire," the Speaker added.