Powers of President

Powers of president

Under Article 247 Clause 2 & 5

Sir,

The Friday Times -

Last year, during the 99^th Senate session on December 20, there was a debate on the political and security situation in the country with particular reference to violence in Balochistan, FATA and Rawalpindi.

The motion, which was earlier moved by Senator Raza Rabbani, under the Rule 218 of business, to discuss the insurgency in FATA was consequently taken up. He urged President Mamnoon Hussain to take immediate measures to restore peace and security in the region.

Senator Raza Rabbani quoted clause 2 of Article 247 of the constitution, which says the president may from time to time give such directions to “the governor of the province to exercise powers of his function to enforce peace and security in the region or any part of a Tribal Area”.

He stressed the dire need for “peace and good governance” in FATA, under Article 247, clause 5, and urged the president to take adequate steps. The leader of the house, Raja Zafarullah Haq, said he would convey the “sentiments of the House” to the president.

Senator Raza Rabbani expressed concern after the 100^th Senate session that there was no follow up. On January 15, he led an opposition walkout over what he called the government’s non-serious attitude towards legislative business and addressing the problems at large. Even the problem of terrorism could be tackled in a joint session of parliament instead of an all-parties conference, he said.

On January 20, the president used his power to prorogue the session. But the question that needs to be asked is, why can’t he use his power under Article 247 as well?                            

  By: Kanwal Abidi, Karachi   *Journalist & Political Analyst

 See more at: http://www.thefridaytimes.com/tft/letters-more-arab-than-arabs-sir-we-pakistanis-aspire-to-an-arab-identity-instead-of-taking-pride-in-our-own-culture-this-is-perhaps-linked-to-our-emotional-attachment-with-religion-which-often-pre/#sthash.SkWjgoc2.dpuf