Private post

Why is Pakistan Post being privatised? And why is there such a hurry to not only privatise this long-serving national institution, but also to have an act passed in the National Assembly to establish what is being called the Pakistan Courier and Logistics Regulatory Authority? According to an advertisement that appeared in different newspapers, the bill was passed in such a hurry that no discussion was undertaken in the House. It also mentioned that the deputy speaker, who was conducting the session, did not even make sure if the concerned minister or secretary was present in the House. Had he done this, he could have deferred the motion to a later date so that some discussion on the subject could take place. According to the ad, the motion was passed on the opinion of only one member who argued that the absence of the concerned minister or ministry secretary was implied their approval for the bill. There is no law that requires discussion in the House before a bill is passed, but there is a tradition that the opposition and government members must discuss the pros and cons of a bill before it is passed. Now that the bill has been passed by the National Assembly, its approval by the Senate is a mere formality.

This is not the appropriate time for the government in p to be taking part in issues like the privatisation of Pakistan Post. This is a time when they should be talking about their achievements during their time in government and why people should vote for them when they contest the next elections.

Farhia Jabbar

Karachi