CDS photo display stirs assembly uproar

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly descended into chaos on Wednesday as a debate over the province's deteriorating law and order situation escalated into a confrontation among lawmakers.

The dramatic episode unfolded when PTI member Dr Amjad was addressing the assembly on security concerns.

Tensions peaked when PML-N MPA Sobia Shahid walked to the center of the House holding a photograph of Chief of Defence Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir. Deputy Speaker Suraiya Bibi reacted angrily, instructing Shahid to return to her seat and remove the picture.

Repeatedly urging her to sit, the Deputy Speaker warned, "Field Marshal Asim Munir is the head of the army; this is not your achievement. Put the picture aside and sit down. You are in the habit of meddling in others' affairs."

Shahid, however, continued chanting slogans in favor of the military leader, prompting visible irritation among government lawmakers. Dr Amjad also criticized the opposition, stating, "Those who once shouted 'Respect the Vote' are now honoring the boot. They owe their positions to the very forces they now praise."

The disorder forced the Deputy Speaker to suspend the session until Monday to restore order. Earlier in the session, when Dr Amjad stood to speak on law and order, Shahid challenged the quorum, prompting the Deputy Speaker to ring the bells for two minutes. Dr Amjad then called all members from the lobby to complete the quorum, allowing proceedings to resume.

The debate had initially been initiated by Bajaur MPA Ajmal Khan, who stressed that coordination among institutions is key to national stability. He criticized government proposals reminiscent of "Governor's Rule," declaring them unacceptable to the people. Khan praised the Chief Minister's initiatives, including a historic peace jirga and a Rs100 billion development package for Peshawar, and reiterated the demand to allocate three per cent of the NFC share to the merged tribal districts following FATA's integration.

MPA Shafeeullah Khan condemned the attack on fellow legislator Anwar Zeb's residence as a challenge to provincial authority. He also denounced the alleged mistreatment of Imran Khan's sisters outside Adiala Jail, stating that abuse of power undermines public trust and violates the constitution.

Meanwhile, Sardar Shahjahan, discussing the Dr Warda murder case, criticized the government for failing to gain the trust of the victim's family and commended Field Marshal Asim Munir on his appointment as CDS.

Dr Amjad condemned the alleged inhumane treatment of political figures outside Adiala Jail, asserting that deliberate unrest is being fomented in the province and that abusive rhetoric only strengthens the popularity of opposition leaders.

Despite the chaos, both government and opposition members agreed on the urgent need for measures to restore law and order, strengthen political harmony, and rebuild public confidence in the province's institutions.