ZULFIQAR AHMAD

ISLAMABAD: The opposition lawmakers on Friday staged a walkout from Senate against what they said the approval of change in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor route by the cabinet.

Soon after the start of the farewell Senate session, which was chaired by outgoing chairman Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, senators belonging to Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) staged a walkout.

The opposition parties asked the government to rescind the decision of changes in the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor route or else be ready to face the resistance of people.

Speaking on a point of order, ANP Senator Zahid Khan said it is unfortunate that the Cabinet approved the change in route of China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is not acceptable as people living in small provinces had also some rights as Pakistanis.

With the outburst of ANP lawmakers, the opposition collogues, a good number of whom are going to retire on March 11, staged a walkout against the government decision to approve change in the route of the mega economic corridor.

Earlier, during a question-hour, state minister for petroleum and natural resources Jam Kamal Khan presented details of gas consumption/distribution amongst different sectors in 2013-14.

According to him, power sectors consumed 27%, followed by domestic sector (22%), fertilizers 18%, industrial 12%, captive power plants 20% and commercial use 3%.

He said that gas was supplied in line with pre-defined priority orders, with domestic and commercial sectors considered first, followed by the power sector, general industries, cement sector and the CNG sector.

Abid Sher Ali, state minister for water and power, spoke briefly about the Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Power Project, saying the estimated cost of the project has risen to Rs 280 billion, from initial Rs 80 billion, due to a delay.

He said the final projected cost could be around Rs300 billion, adding the government should prioritize completing projects within the given deadlines.

The Senate paid homage to former Supreme Court Judge Justice Rana Bhagwandas for his services to the country. Senate Chairman Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari eulogized the late justice, recalling his integrity and commitment to justice, saying his absence will be sorely missed by the judiciary as well the people of the country.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmed said that the late Bhagwandas' commitment to justice was unmatched. Other senators also paid glowing tributes to Bhagwandas.

To a question, Chairman Senate referred a matter regarding Ex-Indus Water Commissioner Syed Jammat Ali Shah, who was exonerated from the charges in the inquiry conducted against him, to the concerned committee.

Senator Sughra Imam said that the commissioner was first declared guilty but later he was exonerated from the charges. Abid Sher Ali failed to satisfy the lawmakers and the chairman referred the matter to concerned standing committee on water and power to probe the matter and report back to the house.

The house was adjourned to meet again till Monday at 3pm.