Delimitation bill to be presented again in Senate on Dec 19

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: The parliamentary leaders agreed to support the bill regarding the delimitation of constituencies which will be presented in the Senate on December 19.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Friday chaired a meeting of the parliamentary leaders and all the complaints regarding the delimitation bill were addressed in the meeting.

The meeting formed a committee regarding the delimitation and FATA reforms and it will comprise Senators Mushahidullah Khan, Hasil Bizenjo, Taj Haider and Mushahid Hussain.

After the meeting, Senator Aitzaz Ahsan told media that the government accepted the opposition objection and the government will randomly select five per cent of census blocks for a re-audit within 30 days.

Regarding the FATA reforms issue, Senator Ahsan added that a four-member committee to monitor the issue was also formed and adding that PM Abbasi has assured to personally look into the matter.

Senator Mushahidullah of ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) said that in the democracy difference of opinions is very common and it is routine and these issues were resolved through dialogues after Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi intervened in this matter and finished the opposition reservations over the issue.

Senator Mushahidullah Khan the bill will be presented on December 19 and if it passed then elections would be held on time.

The meeting was held to discuss concerns about the delimitation bill and delays in the introduction of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) Reforms Bill.

The prime minister was also expected to take the leaders into confidence on matters related to the recently held Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit on Jerusalem.

Leaders from the Pakistan Peoples Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, Awami Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami were in attendance. Representatives from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, however, were missing from the huddle.