MP expelled from Wolesi Jirga after clash

KABUL member from northwestern Badghis province was on Wednesday expelled from the house after he entered a verbal clash with his colleague from the same province.

The clash erupted after Qazi Abdul Rahim was interrupted by another lawmaker from Badghis Syed Mohammad Musa as he spoke about insecurity in his province.

Rahim said security incidents had increased in Badghis in addition to tribal clashes and an ongoing drought, creating numerous problems for local residents.

“I have repeatedly contacted the National Emergency Committee and the ministries concerned about the problems in Badghis, but there has been no positive response,” Rahim said.

He urged President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai and the lower house’s administrative board to create a commission for investigation into Badghis problems.

“But the proposed commission should not perform its task in haste. It should thoroughly investigate and expose those responsible for the deteriorating security situation in Badghis.”

But another lawmaker from Badghis, Syed Mohammad Musa, started talking without seeking permission from the administrative board.

Rahim told Musa: “No one is listening to you. You may please listen to me.” But Musa continued and so Rahim.

Rahim said: “All issues and problems from insecurity and tribal clashes to murders and other crimes should be carefully investigated and the factors identified.  The real cause behind all these problems is Musa.”

On hearing this, Musa stood up from his seat and started talking but journalists could not hear him because his microphone was off.

However, a lawmaker, wishing not to be named, said Musa hurled abusive words at Rahim and threatened to physically attack him.

After the verbal clash, Speaker Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi said Musa had insulted Rahim and he should be expelled from the house for a day for violating the code of conduct.

Security officials then took Musa out of the assembly. This reporter tried to seek comment from Musa but failed.

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