MPAs avoid discussing assembly dissolution

Contrary to the ongoing hype, no mention of the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly was made by any member during the house session on Monday.

Outside the hall, some Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers appeared confused, some tightlipped and a few seemed not in favour of the dissolution of the assemblies, The Express Tribune observed.

Different rumours swirled amid a delay in starting the day’s assembly proceedings. It was surmised that perhaps there was a deadlock between the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and PTI over various issues but some MPAs dispelled the impression later.

Before the assembly session, the focus of the media queries put to the lawmakers was on the dissolution of assemblies and the stance of Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi over a statement of PTI chairman Imran Khan about former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa.

It was being expected that a healthy debate over the issues would be initiated from the PTI or PML-N sides.

It was also speculated that a resolution might be passed by the assembly over dissolving the assembly on the date announced by the PTI.

But no such development took place in the assembly. No lawmakers from the treasury or opposition benches uttered even a single word about the dissolution of assemblies during the session.

When asked on the sidelines about the dissolution of the assembly, some PTI lawmakers supported the move, while some others, seeking anonymity, differed with the decision, saying that normally funds were released in January, so the government should wait till the end of the month. The government should move towards the dissolution of the assemblies after releasing funds for most development projects, an MPA said.

However, some MPAs seemed confused and tightlipped over the matter. “We don’t know exactly when the assemblies will be dissolved but we are with Imran Khan,” a members said.

The question and answer session was put off owing to the unavailability of Local Government and Community Development Minister Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed. After taking up call attention notices, the panel of chairmen allowed lawmakers for both sides to speak on points of order.

PML-N’s Khalil Tahir Sindhu demanded that the government release salary of employees belonging to the minorities before December 25. Provincial Parliamentary Affairs Minister Basharat Raja assured the member that the dues would be cleared.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 20^th, 2022.