PA turns chaotic after slap sparks scuffle, two MPAs suspended

LAHORE:

The atmosphere in the Punjab Assembly turned heated as lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition sides clashed, both inside and outside the assembly chambers, following an incident in which an opposition MPA slapped a treasury legislator. The slap came after allegations of derogatory language being used by the treasury member, who narrowly escaped.

Outside the assembly chambers, reports emerged that some private staff members of the treasury’s MPA had used abusive language against opposition MPAs. As a result, Acting Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channer suspended two opposition MPAs for 15 sittings.

As the House proceedings began under the chairmanship of Acting Speaker Channer, the opposition entered the chamber chanting slogans in protest over the disqualification of PTI’s three lawmakers, including the opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar.

This disqualification followed sentences handed down by anti-terrorism courts in relation to the May 9 incidents.

Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman strongly opposed the opposition’s conduct, saying that they were violating their commitment to act in accordance with Rule 223 of the Rules of Procedure.

Deputy Opposition Leader Muhammad Moeenuddin Riaz requested the chair to halt proceedings on the assembly’s agenda, seeking permission to speak on the sentences awarded to PTI’s lawmakers, including Opposition Leader Bhachar.

Treasury minister Rehman said Bhachar was like a brother to them, but stressed that the government was not responsible for the sentence. He clarified that Bhachar had been sentenced by the court for his actions.

Acting Speaker Channer said that discussions on court decisions would not be permitted, but allowed the opposition to express solidarity with Bhachar. As PTI’s MPAs expressed their dissatisfaction with the government over the sentences, treasury lawmakers also criticised the opposition, particularly highlighting the May 9 incidents.

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PTI’s Chief Whip Rana Shahbaz Ahmad, holding the Holy Quran, questioned the House, asking if he looked like a terrorist and why multiple FIRs had been registered against him if he had not been involved in terrorism activities. This prompted a reaction from Acting Speaker Channer, who urged lawmakers to avoid politicising the Holy Quran.

The opposition then staged a token boycott, arguing that their privileges had been violated due to the sentences. Upon returning, an argument between Deputy Opposition Leader Riaz and Acting Speaker Channer escalated when opposition lawmaker Khalid Nisar Dogar rushed toward the treasury benches and slapped PML-N MPA Hassan Riaz, accusing him of using abusive language despite repeated requests to stop.

The incident quickly escalated, with both sides facing off. Some senior lawmakers intervened to calm the situation. Acting Speaker Channer condemned the behaviour, stating, “Dogar Sahib, you did not act appropriately. Such conduct is not tolerable in the assembly.”

The House was adjourned for five minutes as Acting Speaker Channer summoned the lawmakers from both sides to his chamber. Upon resumption, both sides condemned the altercation.

The treasury side expressed regret over the attack, while Deputy Opposition Leader Riaz remarked that using derogatory language was also unacceptable. He added that, according to the speaker’s order, the matter should have been referred to the concerned ethics committee.

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Acting Speaker Channer stated, “Today, I consider this to be one of the darkest days in this assembly.” He emphasised that the issue was not just about two lawmakers but the dignity of the House itself. He ruled to suspend Khalid Nisar Dogar for 15 sittings.

As the opposition left the House chanting slogans, MPA Sheikh Imtiaz pointed out a lack of quorum, which prompted a response from Channer confirming that quorum was met. However, Imtiaz persisted with his objection, leading to his suspension for 15 sittings as well.

After completing the agenda items, Acting Speaker Channer adjourned the House until 2 pm on July 29.

As lawmakers from both sides entered the media hall, another scuffle broke out. However, no physical attacks were reported this time. Outside the assembly chambers, some private members were reported to have shouted and used abusive language against PTI lawmakers.

The opposition condemned the actions of the private members, calling them “hooliganism” and stating that they would not bow down to fascism and cruelty despite being cornered.