KABUL (SW): In the ongoing disciplinary drive, the Wolesi Jirga (lower house) suspended and deprived five more members of their privileges and perks due to prolong absence.
Abdul Qadir Zazai Watandost, secretary of the house, said in Saturday’s session that the suspended members have been absent for at least 20 consecutive days. Among those MPs suspended include Ezatullah Atif, Aman Guzar, Pir Bakhsh Gardiwal, Elam Khan Azadi and Mohammad Ishaq Rehguzar. “The Article 73 of the Rules of Procedures says that any member with more than 20 consecutive absence should be deprived of all privileges, and suspended”, he clarified. The secretary of the house also warned deputy speaker Abdul Zaher Qadeer about his 19 consecutive absence so far.
Humayoun Humayoun, member of the house, called for clarification of the Article 73 of the Rules of Procedures. He said there is am ambiguity in it with some members believing that absence can led to suspension while others arguing that it can only deprive the member from perks and privileges. Zakarya Zakarya, another member of the house, stressed other disciplinary actions of the Rules of Procedures should also be respected and applied.
Salam Watandar’s parliamentary affairs correspondent has noted a significant improvement in the quorum of the house ever since the issue of attendance has been taken seriously.
ENDS
