KABUL (Pajhwok): Some Wolesi Jirga members on Monday alleged clearing the interior minister of bad performance during his testimony before the lower house was a result of “a deal behind the scenes.”
Interior Minister Noorul Haq Ulumi provided satisfactory information about the security situation to the Wolesi Jirga. Summoned almost a week ago, the minister fielded a volley of questions about the fall of several districts to the insurgents in recent months.
Ulumi responded to a flurry of questions from lawmakers about the performance of his ministry and the prevailing security environment across the country.
At the end of the session, most of the MP appeared convinced by Ulumi’s explanation of the efforts being made by the Ministry of Interior to control the situation.
Under Article 92 of the constitution, a minister could be summoned to answer questions from legislators if 20 percent of the Wolesi Jirga members sign the summons.
If not convinced by the minister’s explanation, the public representatives may consider withdrawing the vote of confidence granted to him/her under the said article.
However, a lawmaker from northeastern Badakhshan province, Mariam Kufi, told Pajhwok Afghan News she was sure a secret deal had taken place between Ulumi and some lawmakers because the minister’s answers were not satisfactory.
Her colleague Qais Hassan also said the minister was cleared of shortcomings based on a deal behind the scenes.
“A third hand is behind the 180 degree change in lawmakers’ view,” he said, adding that Ulumi was not a good leader to properly manage his ministry.
Another Wolesi Jirga member Aziza Jalis also believed there was a secret deal that led to clearing the minister of mistakes.
She said a door-to-door campaign in favour of the minister; appointments on nepotism and misusing tribal rivalries saved Ulumi from a vote of no confidence.
Pajhwok Afghan News tried to talk to the Wolesi Jirga’s administrative board in this regard, but failed.
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