Pak adopts Bill to prevent coups

The National Security Council (NSC), firmly advocated by Musharraf as an ‘‘insulation’’ to prevent future military coups, consisted the President, Prime Minister, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chiefs of army, Navy and Air Force, speakers of the National Assembly and Senate and Chief Ministers of the four provinces.

The NSC Bill, which has been sent for the assent of the President, was adopted by the Senate amid protests by Opposition parties which alleged that they were not allowed to speak on the Bill and walked out of the House. ‘‘This is not National Security Council, but in fact it is an insecurity Bill,’’ Prof Khurshid, a senior leader of the Islamist Alliance Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), said.

He described the National Security Council as contrary to the constitution and said it would harm the country.

Mian Raza Rabbani of Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) said the treasury benches showed loyalty to Musharraf and violated the constitution by adopting the Bill. He said the Opposition members were not allowed to speak in the House. — (PTI)