PML-N lawmakers protest against price hike

Opposition PML-N lawmakers adopted novel ways of protest outside the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday against the food and fuel price hike.

Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Mirza Javed arrived on a bicycle with small posters against the increase in the prices of petroleum products. He said petrol had gone out of the reach of poor people so he had decided to come to the assembly on bicycle.

MPA Raheela Khadim Hussain said she had brought bangles for government leaders and ministers who did not bother to make efforts to solve the problems of the people.

PML-N lawmakers and workers also held a protest demonstration outside the assembly and chanted slogans against Prime Minister Imran Khan and his policies. They alleged that the prime minister and his cabinet had failed to provide relief to the poor and needy people.

The speakers at the demonstration said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has exacerbated the hardships of the people through its policies resulting in the increasing prices of food items and petroleum products.

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They expressed fear that the price of petroleum would rise further in the coming days.

The protesters demanded a reduction in prices and the provision of food to needy people.

During the assembly session, the lawmakers unanimously passed a resolution calling for including a clause relating to a sworn declaration about Khatm-e-Nabuwat in the Nikah form.

Speaker Chaudhry Pervez Elahi adjourned the house over the demise of PML-N MPA Nishat Ahmed Daha. The members prayed for PML-N MNA Pervez Malik who recently passed away.

MPA Tariq Gill also prayed for the late former legislator Petter Gill.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27^th, 2021.