By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: The opposition held a protest session outside the Punjab Assembly, denouncing the current provincial government as a failed “Form 47” regime. The symbolic assembly was organized to express solidarity with the suspended opposition members and to highlight the government’s alleged failures in dealing with flood disasters, the sugar scandal, and soaring inflation.
During the protest session held on the road outside the Assembly, acting Speaker Ijaz Shafi remarked that the development project billboards put up by the government had been “washed away by floodwaters,” symbolizing the collapse of its claims. Colonel (retd) Shoaib Awan and Tyab Rashid openly criticized the administration, accusing the Chief Minister of playing political games and using tactics to suppress the opposition.
“Punjab is drowning,” they said. “Crops are submerged, homes destroyed — yet the government remains oblivious.”
Opposition Leader Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar stated that the opposition would not return to the Assembly floor until the suspended members are allowed back. He emphasized that the situation in Punjab is dire, noting that flood-related devastation over the past four days has claimed 63 lives and injured 290 people.
“Who is responsible for this destruction?” he asked. “Who is backing the sugar mafia? Who is the real thief?”
Bhachar also presented a resolution condemning the government’s handling of the flood crisis, the rising prices of sugar and petrol, and the suppression of political opposition — a resolution that was passed by the attending members.
After completing the agenda, acting Speaker Ijaz Shafi prorogued the symbolic session.
