Ruckus erupts in PA over anti-PTI remarks

Tensions ran high in the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday as chaos broke out following provocative remarks by treasury member Ahsan Raza Khan, who labelled the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as "agents" and blamed its leadership for the violent incidents of May 9.

The statement sparked immediate outrage among Opposition lawmakers, who rose from their seats in protest and confronted the treasury benches.

The Opposition furiously questioned the legitimacy of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), demanding to know, "Who are you to say this?" The situation quickly escalated as both sides engaged in a heated exchange.

Despite the uproar, Ahsan Raza Khan stood by his remarks, insisting that PTI was responsible for the "heinous offences" committed on May 9, which had led to widespread riots.

Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan made repeated efforts to pacify both sides and bring the proceedings back to order.

In the midst of the disorder, the Assembly proceeded with legislative business and managed to pass eight resolutions.

Five of these were approved unanimously, including a condemnation of Israel's massacre in Gaza with a call for the United Nations and international organisations to intervene.

Another resolution demanded the installation of ramps and railings for persons with disabilities at all public buildings and educational institutions.

A further resolution called for the removal of Section 20 of the Second Schedule of the Sales Tax on Services Act 2012 to enhance facilities at Sialkot International Airport. Lawmakers also approved a resolution proposing the construction of a five-star hotel within the premises of Qaddafi Stadium to reduce traffic congestion, as well as one demanding the declaration of Chak Faizabad in Tehsil Depalpur, District Okara, as a separate moza.

Three additional resolutions were passed by majority vote.

These included demands for the installation of clean drinking water filtration plants in constituency PP-277, the imposition of taxes on cigarettes to protect the youth, and the provision of special benefits and incentives for overseas Pakistanis.

After completing the day's agenda, the panel of chairmen, led by Malik Arshad Advocate, adjourned the session until April 16 (today) at 2:00 PM.