Lawmakers trade barbs over deteriorating Katcha area situation

PA passes resolution honouring 1965 war heroes

LAHORE:

In a heated exchange, lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition benches have traded barbs over the worsening law and order situation in the Katcha area of Sindh, which has been plagued by notorious dacoits.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has scheduled a discussion on the issue for September 9 to address the escalating concerns.

In a separate development, the Punjab Assembly passed a unanimous resolution honoring the sacrifices of those who fought in the September 1965 war.

Lawmakers from both sides praised the armed and naval forces for their unwavering commitment to the nation's defense, expressing confidence that the forces would continue to protect the country whenever needed.

During the House proceedings, Treasury lawmaker Ahsan Raza criticized the government's claims, accusing ministers of spreading misinformation that undermines Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz's vision. Raza highlighted the lack of clean drinking water in several villages, contrasting this with the government's portrayal of improvements.

In response, Local Government Minister Zishan Rafique dismissed the notion that the government is inactive, asserting that significant efforts are being made to improve conditions. However, Speaker Khan noted that the sentiments expressed by lawmakers underscore the extensive work required to improve the situation in rural areas.

Addressing concerns from minority communities, Speaker Khan ruled that a new Christian graveyard be established outside the city. He also directed Minority MPA Ramesh Singh Arora to address land encroachment issues affecting gurdwaras.

PPP MPA Mumtaz Ali Chang called for a thorough discussion on terrorism, arguing that while terrorism decreased during the Sharif administration, it has surged under the PTI regime. He expressed hope that military and police forces would restore peace to the region.

In contrast, PML-N Provincial Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman accused the PTI government of inaction during its tenure and criticised current efforts as mere point-scoring.

Opposition lawmaker Muhammad Sajid held the caretaker government responsible for the current dire situation in Katcha.

Speaker Khan has adjourned the House until September 9 for a detailed discussion on the law-and-order situation in the Katcha area.