Parliament has failed, declares Rehman Malik

E-Paper | March 10, 2026

Federal Minister for Interior Senator Rehman Malik addressing the upper house of the parliament. — File Photo by Online

ISLAMABAD: During the Senate's session on Friday, Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik defending his earlier decision to ban motorcycles from the roads in Karachi (for today) said that the parliament had failed, DawnNews reported.

Senator Raza Rabbani objecting to the federal minister's claim said the parliament had not failed and that the parliament could not give a stamp of approval on weak legislature.

Malik stood by his action saying he respected the decision of the Sindh High Court but added that the move to ban motorcycles off the roads was right as motorcycles provided an easy mode of transportation to terrorists and were used in most terrorist activities.

Senator Malik said the decision to ban motorcycles was taken in view of information received that a motorcycle would be used as a bomb on the first day of Muharram in Karachi. He also said that motorcycles were used in 438 bomb attacks across the country during the current year whereas 96 motorcycles were destroyed in bomb attacks in Karachi alone.

Malik further said he would appeal in the Supreme Court against the Sindh High Court's decision against the ban imposed on motorcycles in Karachi on the first day of Muharram.

Senator Babar Awan also criticised the decision to order motorcycles off the roads and termed the move as illegal.

The Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) staged a walk-out from the senate session over the situation in Karachi and the party's Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said the government had lost its writ in Karachi and that it was not serious about improving the situation in the city.

Speaking to media representatives later, the interior minister reiterated his stance, saying the order was issued in the light of reports from intelligence agencies.

He added that the order was issued after consultations with and support from the allies.

Malik lamented that he was harshly criticised for the order to keep motorcycles off the roads in Karachi on the first day of Muharram.

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Shahzad Latif

Nov 16, 2012 03:25pm

who gives rights to judiciary to intervene in such day to day decisions ?

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Cyrus Howell

Nov 17, 2012 12:04am

In Karachi, respect all people and you won't be shot.

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fiaz

Nov 16, 2012 10:01pm

Wait few days, Then he will say my speech was mis-Quoted!!!!

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jamshed10@hotmail.com

Nov 16, 2012 08:10pm

At last the government man saying they are a failure

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Haque

Nov 16, 2012 11:26pm

We see a complete failure in Rahman Malik. Why there is so much delay in his punishment phase. The earliest it comes; the best for all of us when we get rid of him.

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Cyrus Howell

Nov 16, 2012 09:21pm

Good point. That crossed my mind as well. It is just a political game. They want to appear to be taking action when they are not doing much. "Five more years. Five more years. We want five more years."

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Agha Ata

Nov 16, 2012 04:17pm

Only Interior Senator Rehman Malik can propose such fantastic steps to catch terrorists. lol

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Ali G

Nov 16, 2012 04:35pm

Mr. Malik or should i say Dr.Malik... you have done enough damage to Pakistan and its people...its time for you to leave Pakistan

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Cyrus Howell

Nov 16, 2012 09:24pm

That would be extremely hard to accomplish. He has just made himself more enemies in the parliament.

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hassan M

Nov 16, 2012 11:58pm

Even if one life were to be saved from this measure, a million inconveniences are still a cheap price to pay.

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Jamal Nasir

Nov 17, 2012 03:08am

Just feel pity on mediocrity of Honorable minister's (in)action. This shows the capacity of his thinking

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wasiddiqui

Nov 16, 2012 12:39pm

The Government must take measures to improve their systems and security procedures rather banning this and that.

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Feroze

Nov 16, 2012 09:12pm

Such solutions come to Rehman (?) Malik's mind very easily...disconnec mobile service, ban motor cycles, lie to the court, obtain pardon from the President even after being convicted to serve in the Parliament...... well done malik.

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Hello1

Nov 16, 2012 07:52pm

Mr Rehman Malik has failed and not the parliament. This ludicrous statement beats everything else he has ever said.

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A. Khan

Nov 17, 2012 02:08am

Apart from general failure in governance by PPP, the worst PPP interior minister in living memory should be the one to resign as he has completely failed in providing security to the Pakistani citizens, which is his primary job function. If he cannot provide security, giving lofty speeches can be done by anyone in public, although very few will have the permed hairdo.

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Sam

Nov 16, 2012 09:59pm

There is a big IF they are caught quickly. Well the police have a good track record of cleanly hosing down crime scenes , even in murder situations!

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Cyrus Howell

Nov 17, 2012 12:22am

Yes, They have.

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ish

Nov 16, 2012 08:07pm

What will happen on the 2nd day, 3rd day...10th day? Everything will be hunkydory after the 1st day?

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Cyrus Howell

Nov 17, 2012 12:08am

What information? The information he received from his aluminum foil hat with the TV antenna?

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Parvez

Nov 16, 2012 07:09pm

Question is who will or can impose STRICT martial law ?

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Joe

Nov 16, 2012 09:50pm

He should have said that all motorcycles should be replaced by unicycles. The benefits are plain to see: it is very difficult to throw a bomb while riding atop a unicycle, and a wobbly unicycle-rider would immediately draw the attention of the proper authorities, well in advance.

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Zaheer

Nov 16, 2012 07:44pm

Absolutely disgraceful comment. All our present troubles started under Zia's strict martial law! Until Bhutto's time, we had never heard of jihadi groups and suicide bombers. Though Malik has a habit of making sweeping statements at times, the reality is that even Musharaf's martial law did not stop suicide bombings. Now after all the ridicule Malik has received, would it not be an irony if there is a suicide bombing using a motorcycle in the next 9 days? We all seek solutions without being inconvenienced ourselves.

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Gerry D'Cunha

Nov 16, 2012 12:49pm

democracy has completly failed in pakistan - the only solution for this country to survive further is to impose strict 'martial law' and let the people live in peace.

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habeeb

Nov 16, 2012 09:01pm

There is a very simple measure we have here in the UK. it's called vehicle registration! this way if any vehicle is used in a crime people are caught quickly.Even if it's blown to pieces. The Crime and security situation in Pakistan is diabolical!People in the UK are now scared to return for fear of being kidnapped!!

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Parvez

Nov 16, 2012 07:14pm

56 thumbs up to 3 thumbs down - makes it very relevant.

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Aijaz Awan

Nov 16, 2012 04:01pm

It shows the faliure of security agencies and their stretegic plans. Mr Malik always defends his action which by now incompetent. people suffers not the politicians.

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Mutahir

Nov 16, 2012 01:25pm

I don't know why everybody talk about Democracy, it is one form of Government. It just like a system of running a company. If it is successful in one country doesn't mean it will be successful in Pakistan. Pakistan people meed food , jobs and electricity, they are not concerned of what kind of government should be in the country. Democratic governments in Pakistan had deliver nothing , only thing they have done is corruption and hurting common people

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HADI SAKEY

Nov 16, 2012 02:41pm

Ace terror fighter interior Minister frustrated the Parliament. What has he done for democracy?

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Tanz

Nov 16, 2012 03:14pm

What they need is, a good brain!!

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Qaisar

Nov 16, 2012 07:18pm

Which democracy. where ?????In Pakistan. Talk of tyranny man .

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Omi

Nov 16, 2012 11:00am

ever most funny statement said by minister.

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armughan

Nov 16, 2012 04:24pm

sounds like Musharaf's spoke person

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Mohsin Hayat

Nov 16, 2012 02:20pm

Situation in Pakistan is going bad day by day and the reason is that we all are losing our rights to perform . we blame others but do not act as what we say. there is a lot of variances between what we say and what we do. Just Government is not responsible for this situation . we are all equally joint partners. Solution come from inside not from outside. how things will be move towards prosperity and happiness let see......... do good today you will get good fruit tomorrow. three things we should remember: 1. helping poor people 2. distribute things equally among people 3. respect all the people positive change will come automatically

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Keen observer

Nov 16, 2012 01:40pm

If Mr. Malik's arguments are taken on its face value, which with his credibility track is a difficult act on its own. But let's say we take his argument, what is next than, ban cars because that's what terrorists use, ban buses because that is the target, ban men on the road because men commit these acts. Mr. Rehman is a joke and President should replace him with a competent person with some integrity. Unfortunately this whole deal of rehman being trusted with such key post ,to the extent to go around all court decision to keep him in such powerful post , in itself is a suspect, and shows lack of commitment by the government of Pakistan to bring peace.

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zamin haider

Nov 16, 2012 06:52pm

this is not a best solution to band on motorbike .the best solution is to remove the corrupt leaders and other administrative authorities form their post.actually they are not sincere with the Pakistan.every day they are blaming on each other parties and groups. simple is that if they can't control the situation then ,they should resign from their post.

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Mahmood Minhas

Nov 16, 2012 03:19pm

On such occasion the next step of Rehman Malik is to ban the people of Pakistan to out out from their homes. Good control and administration by Rehman Malik.. He will not leave the nation untill and unless it is suffered adversly.

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Zishi

Nov 16, 2012 01:03pm

I think another possible solution to terror threats can be banning people from coming out their houses. Mr. Malik want people to pay for incompetency of his department, police and other security agencies. You are getting paid from the taxes so better start working than telling people to hide in bunkers or not use their mode of transports.

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p r sharna

Nov 16, 2012 10:36am

most irrelevant comment relating to the matter.

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Captain Pakistan

Nov 16, 2012 10:34am

Parliament has been very successful at that.

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Iqbal Hussain

Nov 16, 2012 04:07pm

As per regular remarks of R.Malik...."there is a foreign hand in all the bombings" poor guy forgot to say that when he restricted motor cycles on the roads in Karachi. Pls. let him survive and make as much money that he can make and buy another hotel in London. Iqbal Hussain. (USA)

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akhter husain

Nov 16, 2012 04:19pm

Poor Rehman Malik,he is always caught between the devil and the deep sea.He is utterly wrong if he takes a decision and,he is also wrong if he does not.Is there any body to help him?

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baakhlaq

Nov 16, 2012 11:07am

the only one who has succeeded in the last five years is Rehman Malik, congratulations.

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Indusonian

Nov 16, 2012 05:19pm

But he will remain a proud member of this parliament irrespective of collapse of interior security...what a joke...............

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Jawwad

Nov 16, 2012 03:44pm

Oxygen also provides breathing mechanism to a would be terrorist. Shall we pollute the atmosphere to an extent none of us can breathe? A British citizen banning normal walks of life in Pakistan. It can't get more disgusted than it already is.

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nadir

Nov 16, 2012 11:15am

It is governemts' responsibility to ensure security to citizens as they get on with their daily lives. If we are to bear such nonsense and are forced to lock ourselves at home, why do we need a government then? Why on earth are we payiing for a government which is doing absolutely nothing except for causing hindrances in our daily lives?

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human

Nov 16, 2012 06:02pm

you only reap what you sow...

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Akram

Nov 16, 2012 04:12pm

I think the JUI are taliban apologists and should be kep out of parliament.

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Shazada Zahid M Loan

Nov 16, 2012 03:40pm

This Malik has failed in his job, now in his 4th year. He must be held accountable and imprisoned and made to return the salary and other expenses - he is the second worst Interior minister after CAUDHRY Shujjat. The Pakistani people have stooped so low.

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Parvez

Nov 16, 2012 09:39am

Agree. The only thing that has succeeded in the last 5 years is loot and plunder.

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Michael Malcolm

Nov 16, 2012 03:54pm

Fully agree with you. Malik and his party has failed miserably in all section of Civil Society. Malik is a puppet in the hands of the ruling Government to hang on by hook or by crook till the people of the country throw all of them out in the elections. A man without face.

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nuisni

Nov 16, 2012 05:16pm

Folks! remember it NOT only Rehman Malik's Pakistan. Saving this country is the responsibility of every single Pakistani. It will take a concerted effort by the government and each one of us, that these savage, in humane terrorists are effectively apprehended. While banning the motorcycles in the entire city is outrageous but limiting the bike riders along the path of the precessions may not be a bad idea.

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Zymaidar

Nov 16, 2012 02:08pm

Parvez Bhai. Golden words!

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Nov 16, 2012 02:09pm

how about shutting down all transportations, cell phones, water, electricity and put a curfew in the city so that nothing happens. what a terrible idea from the Minister. Instead of doing their job and arresting culprits they want people to suffer like they arent going through much.

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Agha Ata

Nov 16, 2012 04:09pm

To me it sounds like suspecting all motorcyclists as terrorists knowing well that this is the most comnmon means of transport for millions no citizens. There should be a better way to catch a terrorist.

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Saad

Nov 16, 2012 10:14am

undhair nigri Chopat raaj...

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p r sharna

Nov 16, 2012 02:50pm

law and order is the responsibility of the executive and intervention in it is encroachment in their jurisdiction and can not be termed democratic. Moderator is requested to allow it. my earlier detailed comment similar to it has been denied to appear.

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Kay

Nov 16, 2012 04:03pm

If there was democracy in Pakistan then it would have failed, there is no democracy what so ever in Pakistan yes this is valid point to impose martial law because our nation deserves it.

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Shaukat

Nov 16, 2012 03:13pm

Pakistani nation should use their head while voting that such non sense people should not come back again, this is horrible Governament and horrible corrupt leaders. They were never fit to be leaders rather they are opportunists who took over due to weekness of our systems. I will blame Army for bringing in power such a corrupt and unethical people.

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DKS

Nov 16, 2012 09:53am

Irresponsible statement. For Pakistan to survive democracy has to work and for democracy to work parliament has to work.

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Khan786

Nov 17, 2012 01:47pm

Maybe you live in Defence and Clifton driving around in Civics and Accords to say such things. People ride bikes to go to work, study and run family affairs. Why do not you come down to areas like MA Jinnah Road, Lines Area etc and tell people on their face that they cannot earn their bread and butter for the next day.

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Muhammad Riaz

Nov 16, 2012 08:01pm

Rehman Malik should get an ordinance approved from the Presidency to get Motorcycle owners exchange their bikes for a free car. This will make a stronger and popular case.

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danial tariq

Nov 16, 2012 12:47pm

I think we have to give Malik his credit for trying to save us from sucide bombing....

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Keen observer

Nov 16, 2012 01:42pm

"Senator Malik said the decision to ban motorcycles was taken in view of information received that a motorcycle would be used as a bomb on the first day of Muharram in Karachi."

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Khan

Nov 16, 2012 02:37pm

They said, they have the information for some terror plot....how bout finding them and arresting them..... I will tell you where to find most of them. Unfortunatly, go check all the madarsas and keep and eye on their leaders as well as their activities. Also, keep both eyes who is coming to sindh and who is leaving and bringing what? 70% problem solved. Also, create a a team of police who is trained to bait the theifs and catch them at red handed with camera as witness and show to general people on national TV everyday. That will cut down some crime when people are cought on camera red handed repeatedly....many countries do that...this nothing new. But just do not trouble the poor people which your poor judgement and put ban on use of their only means of transportation. I want to tell R Malik that we need everlasting peace in Pakistan, not for during the month of Moharram which starts our new year.......Do realy want to start new year with senceless bans? If PPP serious about peace, let Mustafa Kamal be the Interior Ministor than see the change.....

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