Bilawal urges Achakzai to use ‘authority’ delegated by Imran, asks opposition to play role in Parliament

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday urged National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai to use the “authority and power” delegated to him by jailed PTI founder Imran Khan to direct opposition members to participate in House committees and discuss pressing national issues. He made the remarks while addressing the National Assembly during a session chaired by Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa. Addressing the House, Bilawal called for strengthening Parliament by taking decisions on matters of national interest collectively on a single platform. “If Parliament is powerful, we are all powerful; this is the power bestowed on us by the people of Pakistan,” he said. Urging the speaker and the government to fulfil their responsibilities, the PPP chairman also called on the opposition to play its role in the House.

“Those who want this House to remain dysfunctional and do not want the people of Pakistan to benefit from it have succeeded,” he said, pointing towards the opposition benches. “Congratulations to you,” he added sarcastically. “You have played a part in helping these people achieve their objective,” he said, criticising the opposition. Bilawal also criticised the opposition’s decision to boycott committee proceedings, saying it had contributed to the “weakening” of Parliament. “It is your responsibility to represent your party, the people and your constituencies in these committees. However, you are not raising their concerns on the relevant platforms,” he said. Turning to Achakzai, Bilawal urged the opposition leader to use the “authority and power” delegated to him and the Senate opposition leader by Imran Khan to direct opposition members to participate in committee proceedings and discuss pressing national issues. Bilawal said that since…