Joint session of Parliament is likely to continue for many days

ISLAMABAD: The joint sitting of Parliament formally convened by President Asif Ali Zardari on October 08 for an in-camera briefing on law order situation by intelligence agencies is likely to continue many days.

The Parliamentary Parties have recommended government to hold different session of in camera joint sitting of Parliament so that public representatives could be briefed in length about war against terrorism, situation of Pak-Afghan border, tribal areas of the country and law and order of the country.

The advisory committee would also meet before joint session of the Parliament to finalize procedure of joint session, sources said. It would be third in camera session of the Parliament.

The first in camera session was held in tenure of late Former Prime Minister Zulifqar Ali Bhutto 1974 in which Qadianis were declared non-Muslim. Second such type of session was held in tenure of Former Prime Minister Junaejo in which then time Foreign Minister Zain Norani briefed the Parliament about Afghan war.

When contacted Advisor to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Azhar Amrohi he said that the joint session of the Parliament on October 08 is likely to continue for many days and government would be bound to ensure implementation on decisions to be taken in it.

The rules and regulation of joint session would be different as compared to session of National Assembly, he said, adding that, Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza would preside over the session. Chairman Senate Mianmuhammad Soomro would also accompany Speaker National Assembly during the session.

During the session, Azhar Amrohi added, Dr. Fehmida Mirza can summon head of intelligence agencies and any vital personalities.

He went on to say that no resolution would be passed during debate on briefing to be given to Parliamentarians while debate would be started followed by approval of Speaker National Assembly.