Opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly on Friday flayed the government for the worst law and order situation, as what it said the people were being easily targeted by terrorists and govt was not ensuring public safety. They were commenting on an adjournment motion moved by PML-N Barjees Tahir to discuss the security situation in the country.
They expressed grave concern over the deteriorating law and order situation. Terrorists often target the intelligence agencies, but due to their inability to protect themselves poor masses have been paying un-parallel price for the ongoing war on terror. Barjees Tahir said even the present democratic government has failed in bringing change to the status quo and its policies proved worst as compared to the polices of former president Pervez Musharraf. He said the casualties and losses inflicted on the mass in the war of terror during last two years are matchless.
Lone PML-N lawmaker former Balochistan Governor General Abdul Qadeer Baloch (Retd) said the previous government demoralised police in the garb of bringing them under the local government, but the system remained unchanged. He added civil law enforcement agencies are capable enough to root out terrorists, therefore, it is the need of hour to strengthen the civil intelligence network to cope with the current situation effectively.
He underlined that law and order is a provincial subject, therefore provincial law enforcement agencies must be well-equipped to deal with any kind of unrest, adding that centre should help them where they need, instead of meddling in their affairs.
He suggested that the government should pursue policy of non-interfere and the cross-border infiltration must be discouraged by every country of the region. PML-Q lawmaker Sheikh Waqas Akram pointed out that the banned religious outfits have once again become active in Punjab, urging that political parties must keep their close eyes on their activities rather than encouraging them for their vested interest.
On a point of order, PPP's lady MNA and former Information Minister Sherry Rehman suggested that the house should unanimously condemn the flogging incident in Chiniot and responsible police personnel must be taken to task. Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi pointed out that the government has struck a deal with only 25 percent affected stakeholders of Diamer-Bhasha dam, while the demands of 75 per cent affected people have not been met.
Federal Minister for Gilgit-Baltistan Manzoor Hussain Wattoo denying the accusation said that all the displaced people have been taken on board and Rs 40 billion has been earmarked as compensation for their resettlement. Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao said people of Kohistan are also stakeholders of the mega dam and they must also be given their due share in the package.