Tensions bubble after ban on PML-N MPAs in Punjab Assembly

Some PTI MPAs adamant to recover damages from opposition

LAHORE: PTI and PML-N may have had their roles reversed of opposition and treasury in the Punjab Assembly, but the story remains much the same with both parties consistently locking horns. The latest row is over the entry of six PML-N MPAs who were banned from the house after destroying property on budget day.

From the PTI’s camp, some MPAs are fueling the matter by demanding that PML-N’s legislators be compelled to pay damages amounting to an estimated Rs900,000. On the other hand, party some members are saying that a ban is sufficient.

In the meanwhile, PML-N MPAs are suggesting a continued protest on the PA stairs to keep the issue alive and garner media attention. They believe it will create a negative impression of PTI which will be running the house without an opposition. Some PML-N MPAs suggested joining the session to shed light over the loopholes of the budget so that people understand which sectors are being deprived.

Minister for Information and Culture Fayazul Hasan Chohan said they are going to form a committee to probe the matter and determine how much needs to be recovered from the opposition to compensate for the loss. He said they will also ask the opposition to suggest the most convenient way for its legislators to pay the amount – whether it is from their salaries or other methods.

He said the opposition set a terrible precedent by beating assembly staff, attacking officials and making attempts to assault speaker Chaudhary Pervez Elahi.

He said despite the rules of the assembly allowing the speaker to call security and eject rowdy MPAs from the house, Elahi exercised restraint and showed patience.

Former health minister and PML-N leader Khawaja Imran Nazir said the MPAs are adamant not to join the session until the ban on six MPAs is lifted. He said the speaker is playing a partial role rather than showing neutrality in the house. Nazir said several video clips were shot on the orders of the speaker to paint a negative image of PML-N. He said the destruction caused in the assembly was shown after the house was adjourned.

PML-N MPA Malik Muhammad Waheed, whose entry was banned, said if the speaker can prove his involvement in the chaos, he will resign from politics. He claimed not have even touched a table, chair, or microphone, let alone thrash anyone or create destruction. Waheed was confident that his protest was valid. The opposition party member added that he only tore copies of the budget and if that amounts to creating damage, he will not do so in future.

Some PML-N’s MPAs also raised a point that PTI had claimed that the opposition had thrashed DSP Zaheer, but the speaker did not even mention the scuffle or the ban on the entry of Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman with the other six MPAs.

They said the Speaker fueled the situation as he held a grudge and wanted to create violence in the house. Monday is likely to be stormy on the premises of the Punjab Assembly as the opposition legislators are likely boycott proceedings, deliver speeches and chant slogans.