Opposition seeks judicial commission to probe major incidents

Slams govt over inflation, 'governance failures'

LAHORE:

The opposition in the Punjab Assembly has demanded the formation of a judicial commission to investigate several major incidents, including the May 9 riots, the November 24 incident, and recent clashes in Azad Kashmir and Muridke.

During a fiery speech on the assembly floor, Opposition Leader Moeen Riaz Qureshi launched a scathing attack on the provincial government, accusing it of administrative collapse, rising inflation, and failure to protect citizens' rights.

Holding a tomato aloft in symbolic protest, Qureshi condemned the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities.

"A tomato costs Rs75, onions Rs200 and capsicum Rs400 per kilogramme. The poor cannot afford food, electricity, or school fees for their children," he said, adding that "chanting slogans of good governance will not bring good governance - you have to step into the field and deliver."

Qureshi also highlighted the severe deterioration in the healthcare sector, alleging that 15 to 20 newborns had died two months ago at DHQ Hospital Pakpattan due to the provincial administration's "criminal negligence." He said hospitals were collapsing while ministers made hollow claims, reminding the government that health was a fundamental responsibility of the state.

The opposition leader further pointed to the surge in food prices, saying wheat purchased at Rs2,000 per maund was now being sold at Rs3,800, while the price of a single roti had increased by Rs5. "The government has failed on all fronts, and the people are paying the price," he said.

Raising alarm over alleged police excesses, Qureshi claimed that 650 extrajudicial killings had occurred nationwide over the past year. He called for a transparent inquiry into every incident through an independent judicial commission.

Criticizing the federal government's handling of political matters, he condemned the alleged obstruction of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister's attempts to meet the PTI founder in Adiala Jail despite two court orders. "If the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa feel deprived of their rights, the consequences could be dangerous," he warned.