Empty benches: Heated arguments warm up a dull session

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) members pointed out the quorum twice during the proceedings


Qamar Zaman January 07, 2016
PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD:


The National Assembly proceedings were cut short on Thursday due to lack of quorum.  Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) members pointed out the quorum twice during the proceedings and the literally empty treasury benches left the Deputy Speaker Murtza Javed Abbasi with no other option except to adjourn proceedings till Friday.




In the meanwhile, there was a bit of drama in Thursday’s session. Sheikh Rohael of PML-N exchanged harsh words with Amir Zaman from the JUI-F, while Dr Shireen Mazari from the PTI argued with the deputy speaker.

Asghar and Zaman were ready to scuffle on the floor of the house while using impolite language. Zaman was trying to highlight problems of people from Balochistan and K-P with regard to issuance of CNIC.

When denied opportunity to speak, an exchange of harsh words took place between the two and joint opposition staged walkout from the proceedings as well.  Dr Shireen Mazari also pointed out quorum at that moment due to which the house proceedings were suspended for 15 minutes.

Later on, Rai Hassan Nawaz Kharal of PTI pointed lack of quorum, but instead of making a headcount, the deputy speaker adjourned the proceedings. Other than the scuffle and walkout, it was a dull day in the house.

There were seven items on the agenda and like always, State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed responded to two different calling attention notices—one related to non-completion of Gaddani Fish Harbour and the other about hours long load shedding in K-P.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8th, 2016.

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