Punjab Assembly seeks inquiry into entry of unidentified individuals

Lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition benches in the Punjab Assembly have agreed on the need for an impartial inquiry into the entry of unidentified individuals at the time of the arrival of the chief minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on the premises.

However, none could clarify under whose directions the individuals had entered the building, allegedly leading to hooliganism.

During the assembly session on Tuesday, the opposition also formally demanded an inquiry, maintaining that transparency is in the interest of all stakeholders.

At the same time, treasury members condemned the mistreatment of journalists allegedly by visitors accompanying the CM, as well as derogatory remarks made by opposition legislators against journalists covering assembly proceedings.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari staged a walkout to express solidarity with journalists. She alleged that staff of the visiting CM had pushed and mistreated journalists. She said a day earlier an opposition member had labeled journalists in the Press Gallery as “sold-out media” and she condemned the act.

The minister stated that an opposition member had accused her of planting individuals in the building, terming the allegation baseless and false. She announced that she would initiate defamation proceedings over false accusations.

Opposition member Rana Shehbaz also called for an inquiry into the alleged hooliganism and unauthorised entry of unknown persons into the assembly.

He said a transparent investigation was essential to determine responsibility.

Rana Shehbaz said he had conveyed that certain remarks should not have been made, adding that the speaker had also addressed a press conference in the assembly regarding the incident.