Chaos in PA as govt, Opp trade barbs

LAHORE:A heated session unfolded in the Punjab Assembly on Thursday as opposition members and Punjab’s Law Minister Sohaib Bharth exchanged fiery remarks, leading to chaos in the House.

Deputy Speaker Zahid Iqbal Channar and opposition lawmakers traded sharp words before Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan intervened to calm tension. The uproar began shortly after the session commenced under the chairmanship of Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. The Speaker expressed frustration over the absence of ministers and secretaries, resulting in a 15-minute adjournment.

During the question hour, Parliamentary Secretary for Women Development Sadia Taimoor strongly criticised PTI members, accusing them of poor performance during their four-year tenure. ‘PTI failed to form a parliamentary caucus or standing committees. How can you now question our performance?’ she remarked.

The session turned into a shouting match when the opposition raised concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation and criticised the Punjab police. Opposition member Rana Aftab Ahmad urged the government and police to shift their focus from targeting PTI and instead address the security crisis. In response, Law Minister Sohaib Bharth lashed out at the opposition, accusing them of enjoying privileges like 17 government vehicles. He was further accused by Rana Aftab of using an ‘authoritarian tone.’

As tensions escalated, Deputy Speaker Channar grew visibly emotional, prompting PMLN leader Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman to step in. Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan eventually intervened to restore order in the House. Meanwhile, during the approval of bills, opposition MPA Brigadier (R) Mushtaq Ahmad pointed out the lack of quorum. As attendance remained insufficient, Deputy Speaker Channar adjourned the session until Friday (today).