Lawmakers clash over alleged mistreatment

Opposition points out weaknesses in budget

LAHORE:

In a heated session, the treasury and the opposition lawmakers engaged in a war of words, trading accusations of mistreatment during their respective tenures.

The debate unfolded during the fourth day of discussions on the "general discussion of annual budget 2023-24".

While the opposition pointed out weaknesses in the budget, the treasury members initially praised certain aspects while also calling for more focus on different sectors.

Tensions reached a peak when Opposition leader Ahmed Khan Bhachar raised a point of order, alleging humiliation by police officials.

Bhachar, along with deputy Opposition leader Moeen Riaz Qureshi and other members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), claimed mistreatment while visiting an anti-terrorism court to meet party leaders allegedly involved in May 9 riot cases.

"Bhachar told the House that police officials threatened them with detention if they didn't leave the court premises," Opposition leader Ahmad Khan Bhchar stated.

Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan expressed astonishment at the allegations, vowing to uphold the dignity of the House.

He called on Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman to address the issue.

Rehman, recalling past incidents of mistreatment, assured the House that he would discuss the matter with the Inspector General Police (IGP) Punjab.

Speaker Malik Ahmad demanded immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future, promising to keep the House informed of any progress.

PPP's parliamentary leader Ali Haider Gillani criticised PML-N's Rana Sana Ullah's statements regarding the appointment of the Chairman of IRSA, urging him to study the constitution which mandates consensus among provinces for the appointment.

The session was adjourned by Speaker Malik Ahmad until March 27 at 10 am.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2024.