RAWALPINDI: Uproarious scenes were witnessed in the National Assembly yesterday when Law Minister Mohammad Munir announced that in view of the criticism by the members, the Government had decided to drop the idea of introducing a Bill to increase the salaries and allowance of members due to the rising cost of living.

He said that the Government had decided to introduce such legislation on account of representations made by certain members to the Ministers complaining about the inadequacy of remuneration. But during the general discussion on the Budget, the members subjected this proposal to severe criticism. The Government had, therefore, decided to drop it.

This invited noisy scenes, with several members trying to simultaneously express their dissatisfaction on the Government decision. Intervening, External Affairs Minister Mohammed Ali suggested a compromise, and said a committee be appointed to look into this question.

This suggestion did not find favour with Sardar Bahadur Khan and several other members who contended that by throwing the initiative on them, their position was being made awkward. — Staff Correspondent

More NA groups

RAWALPINDI: Though so far only Mr Mohammad Ali’s Democratic Group has been formed in the National Assembly with 41 members from East Pakistan, other groups from among West Pakistan MPs are in the making. These are: the former Muslim Leaguers led by Sardar Bahadur Khan; the former Republicans who also claim support of former Nizam-i-Islam and Independence groups; and a very small group which is being formed by Mr Z.A. Bhutto. — Agencies