Lawmakers warn the move could harm Palestine and question the government’s decision-making process.
PESHAWAR:
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Tuesday saw a rare consensus between the treasury benches and Jamaiat Uelma-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) over Pakistan’s decision to join the international Peace Board, with both sides demanding its immediate withdrawal from the body.
During the assembly session, JUI-F leader Maulana Lutfur Rehman said Pakistan’s inclusion in the junta would undermine the Palestinian struggle and called the move “harmful and unacceptable”. Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam echoed these concerns and questioned how Pakistani representatives could sit alongside nations responsible for the “massacre of Palestinian Muslims,” referring to the United States and Israel.
Maulana Lutfur Rehman highlighted that Pakistan’s parliament was not consulted before joining the junta and emphasized that the decision contradicted national interests. He warned that while the United States threatens Palestine, it also chairs the Peace Board, raising questions about Pakistan’s responsibility to its citizens.
The assembly also discussed broader security issues, including ongoing debates over law and order in the province. A security committee, formed three months ago, had held several meetings to assess operational readiness, but Justice Minister Aftab Alam criticized the process, saying that strengthening institutions is the responsibility of the federal and provincial governments, and that the province cannot absolve itself of responsibility.
The session also highlighted long-standing concerns about development. Lawmakers raised questions about 113 schools in Abbottabad destroyed in the 2005 earthquake that remain unrebuilt after two decades. PML-N lawmaker Amna Sardar criticized the slow pace of reconstruction, while Treasury member Nazir Ahmad Abbasi called it a “serious problem” and noted that generations of children have been educated under open skies.
Minority representation in government departments also came under scrutiny. Minority legislator Suresh Kumar highlighted unmet quotas in 25 departments, with 146 of 226 reserved posts left vacant. Law Minister Alam directed that the matter be referred to the relevant committee for further review.
The assembly also witnessed tensions. Opposition member Jalal Khan clashed with Justice Minister Alam over quorum issues during the debate on Palestine. President Anwar Khan intervened to maintain order and the session was eventually adjourned until Friday, January 30 due to quorum concerns.
