By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE – Opposition lawmakers created a ruckus in the Punjab Assembly on Friday, protesting the alleged mistreatment of the sisters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and accusing the government of political victimisation.
Opposition Leader Moin Riaz Qureshi said the three sisters of the PTI founder were being treated unfairly and had been detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law without justification.
He specifically referred to Noreen Niazi, claiming that she was shifted to hospital after her health deteriorated but was not provided with proper medical facilities.
The protest began at the start of the assembly session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Chanar, as opposition members chanted slogans and displayed banners and placards carrying protest messages.
Meanwhile, the husband of PTI founder’s sister Uzma Khan also arrived at the assembly. After meeting opposition lawmakers in the opposition chamber, PTI members staged a demonstration on the assembly steps.
Speaking to the media, opposition leaders criticised the government’s actions against PTI workers and lawmakers. They said the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had not benefited the government.
They further claimed that around 1,400 party workers had been arrested and the residences of eight provincial assembly members raided.
Later, opposition lawmakers pointed out a lack of quorum before leaving the assembly. The government failed to complete the required quorum within the time allowed by the deputy speaker, prompting him to prorogue the session.
