ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Parliamentary Leader in Senate Sherry Rehman on Tuesday questioned why the federal government did not call a joint session of the Parliament in solidarity with the people of Kashmir on Black Day, observed on Oct 27.

"We were expecting that a special session of the Parliament would be held to express solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters on Black Day but shockingly this government did not think that it is important to have one," she said, addressing a press conference.

"When it comes to matters of national importance and security, we all are on the same page-The Parliament is just being used for their own ulterior motives. Our Parliament is being insulted and bulldozed," she added.

"The government is so busy focusing on jailing opposition politicians that they are not focusing on other serious issues like taking the Parliament into confidence and removing Pakistan from the grey list of FATF (Financial Action Task Force)," she added.

"It is not the opposition's job but despite that all of us are standing together to give hope to our country. Instead of addressing serious issues like inflation, high food prices, new polio cases, circular debt, load shedding, gas shortage and increased medicine prices; the rulers are keeping people distracted by their circus." Rehman said.

"There is an anticipated shortage of wheat this year in the wake of a shortfall in the output. Wheat and sugar are being hoarded and prime minister's cronies are benefiting but NAB (National Accountability Bureau) is just reserved for the opposition. Pakistan was made completely wheat-secure by the last PPP government. When asked about the wheat shortage, PM appears clueless. Why, is he not running the country? If the government is importing wheat to meet the shortfall than why did they export it in the first place? Is any thought and planning going in running this country?" she said.

She said, "Tiger force has been unleashed on people without any legal mandate and media voices are being silenced. Wheat is being sold at 70 rupees per kilo, tomatoes for Rs 180 and onions for Rs 80 per kilo.

How can people from low income households afford these basic necessities? Roti and naan are also out of their reach. Is this the Naya Pakistan that they have been promising us?"

PPP senators Raza Rabbani, Maula Bux Chandio, Sassui Palijo, Dr Sikandar Mandhro and Rubina Khalid were also present at the press conference.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020