ISLAMABAD, Apr 26 (NNI): National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Friday expressed anger over absence of ministers in the House during question-answer session, directing all ministries to ensure their officials’ presence during the proceedings.
Ayaz Sadiq said said that all ministries must send their additional secretaries to attend the session, clarifying that individuals below this designation will not be permitted to sit in the House.
The speaker said it had been decided to commence the House proceedings on time and directed all members to ensure their presence during the session.
The speaker got angry after no one from petroleum ministry was present in the House to respond to a call attention notice regarding gas overbilling and service charges.
Meanwhile, lawmakers in the National Assembly raised various critical issues from their respective areas on Friday and called upon the government to take an action to address them.
During a point of order, Mian Ghous Muhammad highlighted that approximately Rs. 20 billion is payable to sugarcane growers by sugar mills. He said that in Punjab, there is a law mandating mills to pay interest to farmers if payments are delayed. He expressed concern that mill owners are not meeting their obligations and urged the government to ensure prompt payment to the growers.
Muhammad Iqbal Khan asked the government to address law and order challenges in his area, urging the federal government to enhance security measures and take care of the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Agha Rafiullah Syed expressed disappointment over the absence of ministers in the house and said that government representatives must be present to address public concerns raised by members.
He stressed the importance of government representatives being available in the National Assembly to respond to the issues and queries brought forth by legislators on behalf of their constituents.
Riaz Fatyana acknowledged the Speaker’s directive to ensure ministerial presence and requested assistance from the Interior Ministry to facilitate Umrah visits for National Assembly members.
Jamal Shah Karar urged the government to combat inflation and alleviate the burden on the general public.
Sajid Khan advocated for scholarships for students in his area, as promised by the federal government.
Shaista Khan commended Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for visiting the family of a customs officer who was killed and praised the compensation package announced in response.
Zartaj Gul highlighted the inadequate road infrastructure in her area, urging the Ministry of Communications to prioritize road construction to enhance safety and prevent accidents.
Miraz Ikhtiar Baig raised concerns about low gas pressure in his constituency.
Hameed Hussain emphasized the importance of improving law and order to promote tourism in his picturesque area.
Ejaz-ul-Haq addressed issues related to wheat production, particularly focusing on Bahawalpur’s agricultural potential, and called for the establishment of more Pakistan Agricultural Storage & Services Corporation Limited (PASSCO) offices in the region.
Newly elected Member of the National Assembly Faisal Amin Khan took the oath of his office today. Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah administered the oath.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Dr Nafisa Shah and others, Minister for Communication Abdul Aleem Khan said the repair work on the old National Highway will be started this month.
He said five hundred million rupees has been approved in this regard under the annual repair programme.
The Minister said the deadline to complete the repair work is December this year. NNI
