3 Things You Need To Know About Yesterday’s National Assembly Session!

Another day, another set of controversies! The new democratic term has managed to keep things interesting from the word go. Yesterday’s National Assembly session was no exception!

Fiery speeches were made by the leaders of the government and the opposition. Policies were presented, questions were raised and claims were made, right, left and center. However, amidst such noise, it becomes difficult to filter out issues that are of greater significance.

So, here are the 3 things you need to know if you want to catch up on yesterday’s National Assembly session without spending so much of your time!

1. PM Imran Khan Running Late, Quite Literally!

For one reason or another, Imran Khan’s non-political ways like driving, eating and at times even clothing end up becoming the subject of national debate, every other day. “Petty” has found new meaning in this age of internet and accompanying pressure to produce viral content in a bid to “trend.”

This time the newly elected premier once again found himself in the public eye when yesterday on being late to the session Imran Khan chose to run his way to the bench midway Asad Umar’s speech. The video went viral for obvious reasons!

Let’s admit, we all have been in such a situation more than once in our life, it is that basic! Moments like these, although unnecessarily dragged, help in introducing the factor of relatability and humanizing the personality that is always under strict public scrutiny. That and providing fodder for memes! Here, have a look!

PM #ImranKhan seen running into assembly earlier today.#DawnToday pic.twitter.com/E4VU5M5zna

— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) October 3, 2018

2. Asad Umar Jogs The Memory Of Fellow Parliamentarians!

There is no two opinion about the fact that when PTI assumed power in August, it inherited a crippling currency crisis which continues to threaten country’s economy till date.

As the new government chalks out plans to curb the crisis, Finance Minister Asad Umar took to the podium yesterday to remind the opposition of the hefty Rs1.2 trillion circular debt left by PML-N and highlighted the dismal condition of electricity provision especially in small provinces like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Citing the lack of means of transmission as a reason, Asad Umar dismissed non-payment of electricity bills as the factor behind severe load-shedding in the respective regions.

The former Engro Chief also gave an insight into the campaign launched by the government against tax evaders, especially those who are financially strong. Non-filers are no more permitted to buy properties and cars and can only acquire motorcycles under 200CC. On requests by the house, exceptions have also been made in the law for overseas non-filers and widows with inheritance.

That said, Asad in his speech made sure that the allegations made by PPP and PML(N) in the opposition are put to rest by reminding the house of the poor performances of both the parties during their tenures.

3. Bilawal Brings Up FATF And Free Press!

The young Bhutto didn’t sound so convincing while overstating the progress made by PPP during their terms. Still, his speech was a significant part of the session, a greater chunk of which was dedicated to the implementation of FATF’s plan of action, mainstreaming of banned outfits and stifling of media in different parts of the country.

Pakistan, at present, is on the grey-list of anti-money laundering and anti-terror financing organization FATF. A 27-point plan of action has been agreed but the promises remain largely unfulfilled on the ground. In case Pakistan fails to implement the plan successfully, the country will be blacklisted by the virtue of which severe sanctions will ensue. Given such a situation, mainstreaming banned outfits doesn’t seem a decision so wise and in the long run will only prove to be detrimental to the economy and security of the country.

Likewise, criticism is the beauty of democracy and in order to strengthen the system, freedom of speech, the most basic value of democracy, should be ensured. That’s the only productive way to manage dissent and any other solution as seen in the history will only backfire. Hopefully, the government will take it in a stride and pay more attention to the questions raised by Bilawal in the National Assembly session yesterday.