ISLAMABAD: Balighur Rehman – a State Minister for Interior– on Tuesday opposed a motion that favoured the security forces’ proposed crackdown against extremist elements of Lal Masjid and termed it hypothetical – which led to its rejection.
The adjournment motion was moved by Colonel (r) Tahir Mashhadi – who cited media reports about launching a crackdown on the seminary’s radical elements. “This is hypothetical and sub judice,” said the minister while opposing the motion. He further said that a related case was pending in the court of law.
Ahmed Hassan – Senate’s Acting Chairman – rejected the motion and said, “Do not protect Maulana Aziz. I know you are his sympathiser but please stop overdoing it.” The session also remained suspended for a few minutes on Tuesday because of lack of quorum – which was pointed out by Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Rehman Malik.
Malik also sought the acting chairman’s permission to share his views on Defence Day but Hassan declined unexpectedly which heated the session’s atmosphere. Later, Lieutenant General (r) Salahuddin Tirmizi – who took part in the 1965 war against India – sought permission to speak.
The ex-general’s contention was supported by Leader of the House in Senate Raja Zafarul Haq. This prompted Rehman Malik to hit back. “We (the civilians) have no right to speak? First an ex-colonel spoke. Now, an ex-general is speaking!” he said, but also conceded to Tirmizi’s speech while the acting chairman barred other senators to speak on the Defence Day.
The acting chairman was also targeted by the opposition after he rejected another motion – moved by Ateeq Sheikh – regarding Sui gas companies. “Mr chairman, I can see that you have not given ample opportunity to the honourable senator to explain his stance,” Nauman Wazir said after the adjournment motion was rejected.
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