ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has regretted Opposition’s behavior in the National Assembly for not supporting 26th Constitution Amendment to hold Senate Election through open ballot and allowing dual Nationals to contest polls.
Speaking on the floor of the House, he said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf brought this amendment to end corrupt practices and horse-trading in the Senate Election. He said Pakistan Peoples’ Party and Pakistan Muslim League-N have jointly promised in the Charter of Democracy to hold Senate Election through show of hands to ensure transparency in the polling process and end sale and purchase of votes but surprisingly now these parties are faltering from their commitment.
Shah Mahmood said that to ensure transparency in Upper House polls, PTI had filed a reference in the Supreme Court of Pakistan requesting the apex court for interpretation of law that whether or not Senate Elections can be held through open vote. He said as a second option we moved a constitutional amendment in the National Assembly which needs two-third majority for becoming a law. He said despite, knowing the fact that PTI lacks the required majority for this purpose, the government brought 26th Constitutional Amendment to the Parliament to expose the Opposition and people can know that as to who do not want to eliminate horse-trading in Senate Elections and continue to promote corrupt practices in the country.
The Foreign Minister made it clear that PTI will stand committed with its principled stand of ensuring transparency in Senate Election, irrespective of approval or rejection of the amendment in the House. He said the government is not afraid of Opposition’s long march or any other protest.
