Opposition, treasury at loggerheads in PA ‘fiery’ session

Lawmakers protest travel ban on 80% of opposition members

LAHORE:

In a session marked by heightened tensions, opposition leaders in the Punjab Assembly vehemently criticized several actions taken by the government, sparking heated exchanges and raising concerns about democratic principles and institutional integrity.

The opposition's grievances centred on four key issues: the imposition of a ban on PTI Chairman Imran Khan's meetings with visitors at Adiyala jail, the administration of oath to a newly notified PML-N MPA, the inclusion of 80% of opposition lawmakers on a travel "stop list," and the failure to present a resolution honoring Khan for his role in advocating for March 15 as an International Day of Observance to combat Islamophobia in the UN General Assembly.

At the outset of the session, tensions flared as the opposition and treasury benches clashed over the administration of oath to the newly notified PML-N MPA Khan Bahadar Dogar. The opposition argued that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should not have issued the notification while election tribunal proceedings were ongoing. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan defended the ECP's decision, asserting that it had the authority to notify Dogar following the opposition's loss in a recount.

Opposition member Sardar Shahbudin Khan raised concerns about the government's placement of the names of 80% of opposition lawmakers on a travel stop list, alleging that they were barred from traveling abroad without just cause. Speaker Khan expressed astonishment at the large number of names on the list and requested detailed information for further investigation.

PTI's Ahmad Khan Bhachar accused the government of selectively targeting Imran Khan with the ban on jail meetings, arguing that such actions were intended to undermine Khan's popularity among the Pakistani population.

Amidst these tensions, SIC's Waqas Mehmood Maan sought to introduce a resolution condemning Islamophobia and honouring Imran Khan's advocacy efforts. However, Speaker Khan postponed consideration of the resolution in favour of addressing government business, promising Maan ample time to present it later.

As the session progressed, six ordinances, including "The Punjab Civil Servants (Amendment) Ordinance 2023" and "The Police Order (Amendment) Ordinance 2023," were laid before the House and referred to relevant committees for review.

Towards the end of the session, Speaker Khan called for a vote on whether to allow the presentation of Maan's resolution. Despite opposition protests, the resolution was rejected by a majority of treasury benches, further exacerbating tensions between the government and opposition.

The session concluded with the indefinite prorogation of the House, underscoring the deep-seated divisions and ongoing power struggles within the Punjab Assembly. As both sides dig in their heels, the prospect of finding common ground and fostering constructive dialogue remains uncertain, casting a shadow over the future proceedings of the Assembly.