LAHORE - The Opposition boycotted the yesterday’s session of Punjab Assembly, accusing the ruling party of carrying out ‘campaign’ to defame the armed forces and using delaying tactics over the issue of Panama leaks probe.
The situation turned nasty after the first half of the session when question hour on health department completed. Quoting the remarks of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) on Orange Line, Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed criticised the ruling party.
“The CJP in fact had charge-sheeted the government by saying there is a kingship ruling Punjab instead of a democratic setup. The opposition was of the same view,” Rasheed said.
Opposition parties also staged a protest against the government at the stairs of assembly and demanded resignation of Punjab CM after the remarks of CJP.
They also raised the demand for legal action over ‘campaign’ against the armed forces and threatened to boycott the next session (to be held on Monday) over the issue of Panama leaks probe.
During the speech of Opposition Leader, the treasury members shouted anti-Imran slogans – “Weep Imran Weep” – while the opposition reciprocated by raising anti-Nawaz slogans – “Go Nawaz Go, Go Shahbaz Go and Friend of Modi is a Traitor”.
“The armed forces have been rendering sacrifices to cleanse the country of terrorists through Zarb-e-Azb and other operations,” said Mr Rasheed and accused the ruling party of carrying out campaigns to defame the forces.
He alleged that feeding a false report to a a national daily was part of government quarters bid to defame the armed forces.
“The ruling party is using different tactics to bury the issue of Panama leaks but the opposition would not let the government to do so. The Prime Minister has to present himself for accountability,” warned the Opposition Leader.
The session was adjourned for offering prayers and the opposition announced boycotting the proceedings outside the house before staging protest at assembly stairs outside the house.
Later, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah presented a resolution in the house condemning the Indian atrocities in Kashmir. The resolution was unanimously passed.
The resolution said, the martyrdom of Burhan Wani infused a new spirit in Kashmir freedom struggle.
It also said Pakistan armed forces are one of the best in the world and India could not dare launch surgical strikes.
The house through this resolution also paid tribute to the armed forces for giving a tough reply to Indian forces during its firing at LoC.
The house also referred two new bills to the standing committees concerned and the speaker put off the proceedings for Monday.