LAHORE: Members of the Punjab Assembly (MPAs) on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution banning late night packages offered by mobile networks at cheap rates in keeping with “moral and social values” and to “maintain the youth’s health and prevent vice”.
The resolution — tabled by opposition member Samina Khawar Hayat — recommends that the federal government direct mobile companies not to promote “cheap rate, late night packages that alter societal tendencies”. The document says, “Because of such mobile packages … the young generation, particularly students, remain busy texting and talking over the phone the entire night, without caring for their studies, health and sleep … these packages … [are not in line with] social and moral values ands customs … a ban should be imposed on all such packages”. The resolution was passed unanimously, with the speaker praising Samina for tabling the document.
Other resolutions tabled by the opposition were also passed to introduce “modern and computer education at religious institutions” and devise a service structure for paramedics. Another resolution — tabled by MPA Ejaz Ahmed Khan — seeking amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 was also passed to prevent crime against children.
The House also discussed the promotion of government officers “responsible” for the Gojra riots.
The Punjab law and parliamentary affairs minister said while three officials — including the district coordination officer (DCO) and an SP — were repatriated to the federal government after the riots, the centre promoted the DCO to the rank of commissioner and the SP to the rank of DIG. He said the third officer had been repatriated to the Punjab government, which had sent its recommendations and inquiry findings to the federal government for action against those responsible.
MPA Mohsin Khan Leghari also tabled a resolution on the establishment of a power plant at the Chashma-Jehlum link canal. The resolution says the establishment of the plant would not rob Sindh of its rights. The resolution was
passed unanimously.
Later, Leghari told the media that there was a misconception that the Chashma-Jehlum and the Taunsa-Punjnad link channels were flood canals.
Source: Daily Times
Date:2/3/2010
