Sindh Assembly to meet on August 12 and 13 on impeachment issue

KARACHI:Sindh Assembly meets here on August 12 and 13 to extend support to the decision taken by coalition government for impeachment of the President. Announcing this at a press conference at Chief Minister House on Friday, the Chief Minister informed that a meeting of the PPP Parliamentary Party has also been called to meet on Saturday.
All the PPP Cabinet ministers sans Makhdoom Jamiluzzaman, who according to Chief Minister has gone abroad on 15-days leave about three days back, were also present at the press conference.
Replying to newsmen questions, Chief Minister said that his government was in contact with its coalition partners including MQM on this constitutional issue and hopefully they will fully cooperate.
At the outset of his press conference, Qaim Ali Shah said that a right decision has been taken at a right time and today democracy has come on a very sensitive turning.
He pointed out that this decision was taken in consultation and understanding with the coalition partners and fully backed by the people of Pakistan and Sindh Province.
He described the impeachment decision a constitutional step and said it was taken as the President has not taken vote of confidence from the democratically elected government.
He recalled that Attorney General of Pakistan had stated before the Supreme Court that the President will take vote of confidence from the newly elected mandated assembly.
The Chief Minister said that it is the consensus of all the parties to provide an opportunity to the President to take vote of confidence, else they will play their constitutional role.
He explained that for vote of confidence, the National Assembly, Senate and four Provincial Assemblies will form the electoral college of the President.
Reiterating that all the parties will support the PPP in the discharge of their constitutional obligation as they all want to see democracy stronger and solve the provincial and people problems together for which this decision will play an important role.
He said an impression is being given that there is uncertainty in the country and this decision will do away this as well.
Qaim Ali Shah said that this government has come with the popular vote of people and no one can shake it.
He pointed out that it is the PPP which has always voiced for the causes of people whether it is the issue of Kalabagh, Water distribution or NFC.
He said that during its session Sindh Assembly will pass resolution in support of impeachment but there could be other business as well.
“We are not taking any dictatorial steps but fulfilling a constitutional requirement”, Chief Minister said.
Replying to a question, he said MQM is in contact and whenever there comes an important issue our respective core \ committees get together and discuss the same.
He said PPP Senior Minister Pir Mazharul Huq has had two to three detailed meetings with Dr Farooq Sattar.
He said both parties are in contact at the Provincial as well as Central levels.