By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: Opposition lawmakers in the Punjab Assembly on Friday staged a protest over the decision not to shift Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital, accusing the government of violating the Supreme Court’s order.
Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly Moin Riaz Qureshi said the government had ignored the apex court’s directions and allegedly fulfilled “someone’s wishes” by not transferring Imran Khan to the private hospital for treatment.
Speaking on a point of order at the start of the session, which began two hours and five minutes late under the chairmanship of Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, Moin Riaz said the government had made a mockery of the judicial system by not implementing the Supreme Court’s order.
He said Imran Khan had been kept in isolation for months and that denying him treatment at the facility specified by the court was unacceptable.
“The responsibility of implementing court orders rests with the judiciary,” the opposition leader said, warning that continued disregard for democratic norms could force the opposition to reconsider its participation in parliamentary proceedings.
Opposition seeks discussion on Imran Khan’s health
The opposition suspended the assembly agenda and demanded permission to discuss the health condition of the PTI founder.
The atmosphere in the House became tense after remarks from treasury members during the opposition leader’s speech. The Speaker later assured opposition members that they would be given an opportunity to speak after the Question Hour.
Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan said the opposition considered its leaders champions of democracy, while the government viewed them as accused in connection with the May 9 incidents.
After staging a protest inside the House, opposition lawmakers boycotted the proceedings and moved outside the Punjab Assembly building, where they continued their protest on the assembly steps.
Opposition alleges negligence at Pims
Talking to the media after the walkout, Moin Riaz Qureshi alleged that negligence was shown in providing medical facilities to Imran Khan.
He claimed that the lights were switched off at Pims during the examination and that treatment was carried out with the help of mobile phone lights.
The opposition leader demanded that the government demonstrate seriousness regarding Imran Khan’s health and ensure proper implementation of the Supreme Court’s directions.
Assembly proceedings disrupted
During the Question Hour, Parliamentary Secretary for Auqaf and Religious Affairs Malik Waheed informed the House that 20 hydraulic umbrellas worth Rs65 crore would be installed under the Data Darbar expansion project to facilitate pilgrims.
Later, after the Question Hour concluded, opposition members pointed out a lack of quorum.
As the required number of lawmakers was not present, the Punjab Assembly session was adjourned until Monday at 2:00pm.
