'Quorum tactic' halts fiery debate in Punjab Assembly

The treasury benches 'outmanoeuvred' the Opposition in a dramatic session of the Punjab Assembly on Friday, pointing out a lack of quorum and forcing an adjournment until Monday.

This move derailed the Opposition's plan to deliver speeches condemning the trial court verdict against PTI's founding chairman, Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Rs190 million-pound case.

Opposition lawmakers expressed frustration, accusing the government of resorting to "cowardly tactics" to evade criticism after the controversial February 8 decision.

They labelled the trial court a "kangaroo court" and accused the treasury of avoiding accountability through procedural delays.

Friday's session was significant in the Assembly's history, with proceedings starting on time for the first time after three consecutive days of Opposition protests over delays.

It was also unusual for the government to point out quorum, a tactic typically employed by the Opposition.

No PTI lawmakers were present in the chambers as the session began promptly at 2:00pm under the chairmanship of Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan.

Shortly after proceedings commenced, a treasury lawmaker raised the quorum issue, leading to a 15-minute adjournment.