National Assembly adjournment draws PPP fire

Pakistan Peoples Party leaders voiced strong dissatisfaction on Wednesday over the conduct of National Assembly proceedings, accusing the acting speaker of repeatedly adjourning the session despite a quorum being present.

PPP MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said the repeated adjournments made a mockery of the parliamentary system. "It is being said that the speaker was instructed to postpone the session so that my attention notice could not be presented," she said, calling the move " petty and low political maneuver". She issued a statement expressing deep disappointment over the conduct of the acting Speaker.

During the question hour, MNA Nabeel Gabol raised concerns about the Benazir Income Support Programme, stating there was no BISP centre in his constituency. "Women faint there due to overcrowding," he said, alleging that officials were taking Rs1,500 from each woman in bribes.

Federal Minister Pir Imran Shah responded that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed the programme be made transparent, adding that efforts were underway to digitalise the entire system by March 2026. "There will be no corruption under our government," he said.

Opposition member Agha Rafiullah complained that ministers were not present to answer questions. "We are playing the opposition's role, so encourage us," he said, noting that Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry was present but "busy in his own conversations".

Agha Rafiullah criticised the quality of responses to questions, saying members worked hard to prepare queries but received only "vague answers" whilst claiming travel allowances. He challenged the minister to call the Federal Education Board's toll-free number, suggesting no one would answer.

Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said detailed answers had been provided and suggested Rafiullah call the toll-free number himself in the lobby. Panel Chair Ali Zahid instructed both to resolve their differences in the lobby.

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PTI members disrupted proceedings by raising banners bearing images of the party founder and chanting slogans in the house.

Opposition member Iqbal Afridi twice pointed out the lack of quorum, prompting counts that confirmed sufficient members were present. However, when Afridi sought a point of order during question hour, the panel chair declined, stating points of order were not permitted during that segment.

The number of members in the House was being counted in relation to the quorum, with the government failing to meet it. "There were 63 members present in the House," stated Panel of the Chair Ali Zahid.

During the announcement by the Panel Chair, PPP members created a commotion. The National Assembly session was adjourned indefinitely.

Speaking to the media, PPP's Abdul Qadir Patel suggested collusion between the government and PTI, claiming that just as someone signalled, PTI again demanded a quorum count. "The government's attitude today was regrettable. The quorum was present, but we are disappointed with the speaker's behaviour," he said, adding that PPP's presence alone ensured the quorum.

PPP MNA Shazia Marri demanded the government honour its commitment regarding the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Airport's name. "Has the airport's location changed, or has its name also changed? If NADRA's office building changes, will its name change? If parliament's building location changes, will its name change too?" she asked.

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Marri said Benazir Bhutto needed no praise. "These are small-minded people who will always remain small. What kind of vulgar conspiracy is this, hiding an airport's name?"

She warned that if the government did not respond, PPP would decide its future course of action in a meeting. "If you think PPP has come to the assembly just to watch a spectacle, that's not the case," she said.

Marri appealed to the prime minister to recall his promise to the first lady, noting that some people name things after themselves during their lifetime whilst Benazir Bhutto, "a great leader", never did so.

She criticised PTI for appearing on "pro-Modi channels" and speaking against Pakistan, adding that despite courts handing "the worst verdicts" to her party, including denying Zulfikar Ali Bhutto a fair trial, "we never burnt any building".