ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s statement of holding direct talks with the government in Kabul was an “attack” on the Federation.
Speaking on the floor on the National Assembly on Thursday, Khawaja Asif maintained no province can hold direct talks with any other country.
On Wednesday, KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur has made a bold announcement vowing to send a delegation to Afghanistan to address the security situation in the province. He expressed frustration over the lack of action to address the security situation, stating, “I’m saying, let me send a delegation to Afghanistan. They are our neighbours, but nobody cares. My blood is boiling, how long can I tolerate this?”
Gandapur declared his intention to engage directly with Afghanistan, saying, “I announce that I will speak to Afghanistan myself, I will send a delegation, I will sit down with them and resolve the issue.”
Khwaja Asif further said this was the tragedy of Parliament’s history. “Even in the 90s there was bitterness but there was also tolerance,” he added.
“If this state of uncertainty continues there would be more loss to us, to the Parliament and ultimately to the country,” he said.
“During their government none of our leaders was spared by them,” he said and added “No one comforted us during that time.”
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has said dispensation of speedy and inexpensive justice to the people is amongst the top most priorities of the present government.
Responding to a question during Question Hour in the National Assembly, Tarar said the government has constituted three task forces to review civil, criminal and NAB laws. Moreover, a Special Committee has been constituted to set up legal aid mechanism for the poor and vulnerable sections of society.
The minister said his ministry is reviewing various laws to ensure inexpensive and speedy justice to the public. In this regard, the Prime Minister has constituted a Legal Reform Committee under the chairmanship of Minister for Law and Justice.
Tarar said the government is implementing several reforms and initiatives in collaboration with the judiciary to ensure that delays are minimized and justice is served efficiently.
Responding to a calling attention notice, Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that inclusion of Allama Iqbal Open University’s students in the Prime Minister’s laptop scheme will be ensured. He, however, said the final decision in this regard has yet to be taken.
