By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE — The Punjab Assembly session witnessed uproar and chaos from the very outset as PTI members protested the punishment handed down to the Opposition Leader, staging a walkout while chanting slogans against the government.
The commotion began when Deputy Opposition Leader took the floor on a point of objection, alleging that false cases had been registered against 39 PTI members, including Ahmed Khan Bhachar. He accused the “Form 47 government” of suppressing democratic norms, stating, “95 percent of our leadership has been jailed or punished, but 106 MPAs remain loyal to Imran Khan today and will continue to stand with him.”
PML-N Chief Whip Rana Muhammad Arshad responded sharply, branding the opposition as a “group of miscreants” supporting sedition. “The attacks on May 9 were not spontaneous—they were planned at 156 locations by prisoner number 804,” he added. While expressing regret over the Opposition Leader’s sentence, he asserted, “He must face the courts.”
The session also saw other key issues raised by members. Government MPA Sohail Khan demanded the abolition of water and agricultural taxes in flood-hit areas. MPA Amjad Ali Javed highlighted a case where a traffic warden allegedly filed a baseless FIR against a citizen and further urged for implementation of the three percent job quota for persons with disabilities in both public and private sectors.
Philbos Christopher and Tariq Masih, meanwhile, brought up a sensitive matter concerning the reported forced conversion of a baby Jesus figure in Sargodha, calling for action on the issue.
After the opposition returned to the chamber, they pointed out a lack of quorum. As the required number of members was not present, Panel of Chairperson Ghulam Raza adjourned the session till 2:00 PM on Monday, July 28.
