Minister concludes train debate amid chaos

LAHORE

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah concluded the general discussion on the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train project in the Assembly on Monday dismissing criticism made by the Opposition bench and vowing that the project would deliver on its promises of social welfare.

The second half of the session on Monday was hijacked by chaos as both the treasury and opposition benches shouted slogans rubbishing each other. Opposition members termed the Orange Line Metro Train unacceptable and called for an end to corruption, whereas treasury members praised the PML-N and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

The Leader of the Opposition Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed on a point of order requested the PA Speaker to allow his out-of-turn adjournment motion on the project to be tabled. After being denied his request, Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed blasted the Speaker for denying adjournment motions on vital issues of public interest from being discussed in the House and said the government was guilty of bulldozing dissent. 

The Lahore Orange Line Metro Train worth more than Rs300 billion is an insult to the 100 million people residing in Lahore, he said, adding that funds were being re-appropriated from other departments and the final phase of the local government elections were being delayed for this project. He alleged that government officers were being pressurised to collect funds for this project.

The Speaker angered by the remarks concerning him cited the rules and procedure of Punjab Assembly which authorised him to use his discretion in deciding if the debate should be suspended to allow discussion on a motion and said in the case of matters already discussed he could do so.

It is pertinent to mention here that a discussion spanning three days took place on the Orange Line Metro Train in the Assembly prior to Monday’s session.

After quorum was called and filled in the Assembly, Law Minister Rana Sanaullah appeared and delivered the concluding speech. Sanaullah maintained that the project was cost-effective and important for public transport needs in the metropolis. He referred to facts and figures previously provided to the House that mentioned a number of international agencies that supported the need for an effective public transportation system.

Sanaullah claimed that the government’s position remained unchallenged in the discussion as the Opposition resorted to point-scoring instead of raising issues concerning the route of the train and financial considerations. Rather, the Law Minister said the Opposition brought up irrelevant issues concerning the status of health and education in the province. This, he said, should be redirected to the different departments. He added that the government had made numerous strides in both the sectors that had not been accomplished by any past government. He added that no cultural heritage was being destroyed in the construction of the train and all buildings of historical value would be protected.

The Opposition Leader rejected the claims made by Sanaullah and maintained that the government was in the process of re-appropriating funds. He urged the government to pay attention to those affected by the construction and compensate them with plots for houses from the Lahore Development Authority instead of simple handouts. He added that the government had not released development funds despite promises to opposition members for their constituencies. Sanaullah retorted that compensation funds worth seven to eight billion rupees were available to those affected and PTI MPAs including the Opposition Leader had refused to attend a meeting with the chief minister in the Assembly on the release of development funds.

PML-Q MPA Sardar Vickas Hassan Mokal came to the support of the Opposition Leader and said three years had passed since the meeting with chief minister which was attended by PPP and PML-Q MPAs, and funds were not available.  The House was adjourned for today (Tuesday).