KABUL - Some Wolesi Jirga members allege a deal has been struck over the no-confidence motion against top security officials, with a female lawmaker even saying she was threatened by the defence minister’s son over the issue.
But other lawmakers reject any deal over the Monday’s no-confidence mounted against Defence Minister Abdullah Habibi, Interior Minister Taj Mohammad Jahid and spymaster Masoom Stanikzai in reaction to the March 8 deadly attack on the Sardar Mohammad Daud Khan military hospital in the heart of Kabul.
The savage attack, claimed by the so-called Islamic State locally known Daesh group, killed 49 and wounded 50 others, but some lawmakers had disputed the toll.
The three security chiefs were summoned to appear before the national assembly on Monday and lawmakers were asked to vote on their fate.
Lawmaker Abdul Latif Padram told yesterday’s session that those who had voted in favour of the security leaders had struck a deal over the vote. He said the incompetency of the three officials was evident and they should not have been granted the trust vote.
Another lawmaker Mohammad Arif Rahmani said the MPs who had reposed confidence in the security leaders would be equally responsible under the law and Shariah for the bloodshed of Afghans.
Rahmani warned of moving the court against the trio if they failed to reform themselves.
“Whenever we go for a vote of no confidence, we confront problems. Why people are not happy with the parliament? Why a lawmaker feels shame to introduce self, why we don’t display the MP card on our vehicles? Because people hold a negative view about us,” remarked Naheed Farid, a female MP from western Heart province.
Outspoken lawmaker Ramazan Bashardost told the house: “Everywhere shops are open to cut deals and sell national interests --- directly or indirectly.”
But a number of other lawmakers insisted unseating of the security leaders in the present circumstances was not in the interest of the country.
“Those who allege deal has been struck over the impeachment of the security leaders, they themselves have struck deal,” said lawmaker Naeem Lalai Hamidzai. (Pajhwok)