ISLAMABAD, DEC 25: In a bid to curtail President's power in Pakistan, the Nawaz Sharif Government has pushed through a Bill in the national assembly seeking to empower government to make appointments to high public offices without the head of the State's consent.Ignoring protests from the Opposition, the Lower House passed the Federation Bill, 1998 by an overwhelming majority yesterday. As per the Bill, prior presidential assent for such appointments will also be optional.During a bitter debate shortly before the Bill was passed, members of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), who are a minority in the House which is dominated by Sharif's ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML), strongly criticised the Bill saying it would undermine the President's office.Pakistan People's Party leader and deputy leader of Opposition, Syed Khurshid Shah, alleged that the government was trying to concentrate all powers in its hands. "The President is already a rubber stamp, but the government wants to further curtailhis powers," he said.Intervening in the debate, Law Minister Khalid Anwar, sought to dispel members' fears saying that the Bill only explained the mode of exercise of powers vested in the President by the constitution and would not curtail his powers.The Bill now goes to the Senate, where the Pakistan Muslim League is thesingle largest party. The ruling party is expected to secure the necessary simple majority to see it through. After that it will go to the President for his assent.
