Heated exchange over speaking time disrupts PA session

Tempers flare as PPP lawmaker clashes with deputy speaker

LAHORE:

A heated exchange between Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker Mumtaz Ali Chang and Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Zahir Iqbal Channar dominated proceedings in the Punjab Assembly on Monday, as tensions flared over speaking time, governance issues and sports policy.

The confrontation began during the session when Chang accused the deputy speaker of unfairly allocating speaking time, alleging that opposition members were being given preference.

In response, Channar said members must adhere to time limits and warned against disrupting the proceedings, directing Chang to remain seated and avoid raising his voice.

The exchange intensified, with the deputy speaker remarking that the House was not a forum for emotional outbursts.

Chang, however, insisted that every elected representative had the right to speak and maintained that he was being denied a fair opportunity to highlight public issues.

After repeated interruptions, the deputy speaker allowed Chang to speak on a point of order.

Taking the floor, the PPP lawmaker called for the creation of a Seraiki province and warned of political consequences if the demand continued to be ignored. He also highlighted the lack of basic sports facilities in his constituency, stating that issues raised by lawmakers were often not addressed effectively.

Chang further complained that legislators were forced to visit government offices repeatedly to resolve constituency matters, while also facing restrictions within the assembly.

Earlier in the session, opposition member Nadeem Qureshi criticized the performance of the Youth Affairs and Sports Department, alleging inadequate infrastructure, poor policy implementation and lack of support for athletes, particularly in districts such as Multan.

He questioned the absence of international-level athletes from the region and raised concerns over facilities for women.

Responding to the criticism, Parliamentary Secretary for Sports Ans Mahmood defended the government's performance, stating that significant funds had been allocated to sports development.

He said multiple schemes were underway across

the province under initiatives such as "Khelta Punjab," with thousands of athletes participating in organized events.