PML-Q may quit coalition over loadshedding

A session of senate was chaired by chairman Nayyer Bokhari today.During the session, PML-Q threatened to part ways from the government over power load shedding issue. PML-Q leader Kamil Ali Agha on a point of order in the Senate said that the issue is very serious as the people are dying due to the issue and it is impossible for them to continue debate over the presidential address.Kamil Ali Agha protested against the absence of minister for water and power and massive power outages. He said load shedding is carried out after every one hour even in a city like Lahore.Meanwhile, PML-N staged walkout against the holding of PM post by Gilani.PML-Ns Zafar Ali Shah said that president should suggest a new prime minister immediately as the president along with speaker and chairman senate had received the certified copies of the full verdict.Law minister Farooq H Naek maintained that court has not disqualified PM Gilani. He said the issue would be referred to speaker. He said issue will be automatically dropped if speaker doesn’t take action. However, matter will be forwarded to election commission if action taken.The Senate unanimously passed The Medical and Dental Council (Amendment) Bill‚ 2012.The bill provides to amend The Medical and Dental Council Ordinance‚ 1962.Minister for National Regulations and Services Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said that the bill will help to take the private sector medical colleges and hospitals into the mainstream. She said that the private sector medical colleges and hospitals will be accountable to provide ideal conducive environment to produce good doctors in the country.Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resource Dr. Asim Hussain said that the passage of the bill is an historic event and will go a long way playing its role in the medical disciplines.The Senate was informed on Thursday that the government intends to reduce General Sales Tax on petroleum products to provide relief to the masses and consultation is underway with the provinces in this regard.Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr. Asim Hussain told the House during question hour that out of the total GST collected seventy percent goes to the provinces while thirty percent to the federation.He said work on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project is in progress and will be completed by 2014. He said the completion of the project will reduce gas shortage in the country.Dr. Asim Hussain said that a number of projects are underway in the country to meet the growing demand of the petroleum products.The House adopted a motion regarding constitution of a special committee to examine the various steps taken by the federal government in respect of devolution of Ministries and Departments to the provinces under 18th Constitutional Amendment.It will also look into various procedures in this regard and submit a report before the House within three months.