Govt decides not to table NRO in parliament
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
* MQM, ANP, PML-F refuse to support NRO
* Allies ask PPP to tap other means to deal with situation emanating from NRO’s withdrawal
ISLAMABAD: The government on Monday decided against tabling the controversial National Reconciliation Ordinance in parliament for approval.
In a statement issued by the Presidency after a high-level meeting of the ruling alliance, President’s Spokesman Farhatullah Babar said, “The meeting endorsed the position taken by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on the floor of the House on Monday and decided not to take the NRO to parliament.”
Prime Minister Gilani, JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman, ANP chief Asfandyar Wali and MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar held a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari before the president addressed parliamentarians of the ruling coalition at a dinner meeting. He told them that he had mandated the prime minister to continue consultations with the political parties for a political conciliation.
‘Legal and constitutional’: Sources privy to the meeting told Daily Times that the allied parties asked the Pakistan People’s Party to withdraw the NRO and tap other “legal and constitutional” means to deal with the situation emanating from the withdrawal of the NRO.
They said opposition from some senior party leaders and allies led the government to “go on the back foot” regarding its stance on the NRO as the MQM, the ANP and the PML-Functional had refused to support the legislation during a vote in parliament. The sources said under immense public pressure, the JUI-F was inclined to abstain from voting, leaving the PPP in a dilemma to get the controversial law passed by parliament.
Earlier, addressing the National Assembly, Gilani said, “We have yet to determine what to do (regarding the NRO). We have not brought it to parliament (for approval)... we are considering it and holding consultations with our allies and other friends.” The prime minister said the government would not do anything that could derail the democratic system in the country.
Labels: Government, Power Politics
posted @ 10:19 AM,
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