National Assembly to Meet at 4pm Today

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: National Assembly to Meet at 4pm Today, Political tensions are brewing over the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), just ahead of the crucial National Assembly session, which is set to hold its 18th session at 4pm on Wednesday, wherein the controversial NRO would most likely be taken up.

The Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) has made it clear that not only would it oppose the ordinance, but would also mobilise the public against. However, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) went one step further, with MQM chief Altaf Hussain advising President Zardari to resign and face the courts.

Mr Mohammad Anwar, a member of the MQM’s Co-ordination Committee, told media that Altaf Hussain had suggested resignation to the president so that democracy is not derailed. He further said that the MQM is currently debating whether to support or oppose the NRO, and that the party would reach a decision in a day or two.

However, he added that supporting the NRO is tantamount to legitimising corruption.

Meanwhile, in Islamabad, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif clearly outlined his opposition to the NRO. He said that the NRO is a black law, and it would tarnish Pakistan’s democratic image. He further said that his party would never support any move to destabilise the democratic order. However, he added, that the NRO in itself would be detrimental to democracy.

While the Pakistan Muslim League – Quaid (PML-Q) has also lashed out at the ordinance, saying that their party was not taken into confidence by the then-president Pervez Musharraf before promulgating it. Party chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain unequivocally stated that his party would also oppose the controversial ordinance.