LAHORE - Punjab Assembly on Monday adopted a resolution unanimously, condemning attacks on journalists including Ahmed Norani.
On complaints of massive traffic jams in the close vicinity of PA and improper attitude of traffic wardens towards legislators, the chair called Chief Traffic Officer for a meeting at his chamber today (Tuesday) at 10am.
Hapless parliamentary secretary remained on the receiving end during Question Hour on Local Government and Community Development Department.
The session started one hour and 50 minutes beyond the scheduled time with Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal in the chair.
Journalists staged a walkout from the press gallery to protest recent attack on Ahmed Norani.
The journalists returned to the gallery after assurance of bringing a resolution in the House.
Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan moved a resolution supported from legislators from both sides of the political divide.
Through the unanimous resolution, the House condemned the incidents and demanded early arrest of culprits. Terming incidents attack on freedom of press, the House demanded bringing the culprits to justice.
On a point of order, Opposition Leader Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed drew attention of the House towards inconvenience to journalists due to massive traffic jams. He said that the traffic mess was leading to inordinate delay in reaching the PA. In sarcastic remarks, he suggested constructing tunnels from GT Road and Motorway to the PA for the convenience of legislators. He said that participation of Leader of the House in proceedings could help resolve the issue of quorum. But, he said, CM was interested in London trips and not the assembly proceedings.
Treasury legislator Babu Akhtar said that the door on back of assembly was previously opened for members. Now, he said, it was open for all which was causing traffic mess. He said that the traffic issue was causing delay in arrival of legislators at the assembly.
PPP’s Faiza Malik complained about improper attitude of traffic wardens with legislators. She demanded taking notice of insulting attitude of a traffic warden with her.
Expressing displeasure over traffic mess and attitude of traffic wardens with lawmakers, the speaker said such incidents would not be tolerated. He called a meeting of CTO at his chamber on Tuesday (today) at 10am.
Legislators from both sides of the political divide grilled hapless Parliamentary Secretary LG&CD Ramzan Siddique Bhatti for giving wrong answers to the queries. The chair referred three questions to the relevant committee.
Speaking on a point of order, PLM-N MPA Maulana Ghias-ud-Din asked the chair to prevent schools from going into the control of Qadiyanis. However, the chair kept silent.
As the chair asked Finance Minister Ayesha Ghaus Pasha to open debate on annual report on Punjab Pension Funds, Opposition legislator Ahsan Riaz Fatyana pointed quorum. As the quorum remained incomplete even after ringing bells for five minutes, the chair prorogued the session.