K-P Assembly session packs a punch

Amid opposition protests, speaker postponed session for 15 minutes, and later adjourned it until October 14

PESHAWAR:

Jabs, uppercuts, and even the occasional roundhouse kick seemed to be the order of the day at the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, making the house resemble a WWE royal rumble ring rather than a provincial legislature.

The fight broke out between government and opposition members when the latter were not allowed to speak after Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur's speech. Both sides resorted to using abusive language when the opposition protested and demanded its turn at the microphone to reply to the alleged use of inappropriate words by the chief minister against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

During this uproar, two members from North Waziristan, Iqbal Wazir and Naik Muhammad Wazir, got into a heated argument, hurling insults at each other. This escalated into a physical fight, with their relatives and friends from the visitors' galleries also joining in.

The scene turned into a free-for-all brawl with punches, kicks, and slaps being thrown about with gay abandon, giving the assembly the appearance of a chaotic market. Security personnel eventually intervened, restraining the individuals involved and escorting them outside, while the assembly hall doors were locked to prevent further entry.

Other visitors were also removed from the hall. Opposition members took Iqbal Wazir away, while government members forcibly separated Naik Muhammad.

Sources indicated that the fight was triggered by a statement Iqbal Wazir made the previous day, accusing a PTI member from Waziristan of forcing a government officer to cover the cost of his guest's meal expenses. The claim had already caused tension between the two.

Earlier, when the opposition protested, the speaker postponed the session for 15 minutes, and later adjourned it until October 14 due to the continued commotion. Three individuals involved in the brawl were handed over to the police, including Iqbal Wazir's nephew, Mujeebullah, and a relative, Naqeebullah.

Naik Muhammad's brother was also reported to have been involved. Legal action will be taken against those arrested, while the speaker summoned both MPAs to his chamber. Efforts were made to mediate a reconciliation between them late into the night.

In his speech, which allegedly sparked the initial feud, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur threatened to advance on Islamabad, yet again.

He demanded the removal of the Punjab inspector general (IG), warning that if this did not happen, his people would launch another attack. "Our next target is the prime minister's bedroom," the CM said.

He accused decision-makers in the country of lacking respect for honour, the Constitution, and the law, saying the country's leaders have descended into a pitiful state.

Gandapur emphasised that workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were united under one ideology. He expressed frustration at not being granted permission for peaceful protests. He added that when they were allowed, obstacles were deliberately created in their path.

He criticised the government for oppressive tactics such as arresting leaders/workers, and shutting down cities.

Recalling the long march to D-Chowk, he praised the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and other provinces for overcoming obstacles to join the protest. He mentioned the excessive use of teargas and how the protesters peacefully stood their ground.

Gandapur narrated his experience on the night of the protest, describing how he avoided capture by security forces after seeking refuge in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa House. He claimed that the police stormed the house with firearms, beat K-P police officers, and damaged property. He said this act of the law enforcers in the federal capital was fascist and unprecedented.

Gandapur criticised the country's leadership, stating that those in power were only concerned with their personal interests and had no regard for the wellbeing of the nation. He warned the federal government that if the Punjab IG was not removed, they would launch another offensive.

He also condemned the treatment of PTI workers and promised to get those arrested released.

At the same time, Speaker Babar Saleem Swati noted that the chief minister's speech reflected bitterness, anger, and grievances, pointing out that leaders had faced imprisonment and even martyrdom, but the sanctity of a province had never been attacked in this manner.

He said this incident, where provincial property was violated, would be remembered as a dark chapter in history, emphasising that the attack on K-P House was an assault on the entire province.