LAHORE - Punjab Assembly on Friday adopted a unanimous resolution, demanding of the government to make faith in the finality of the Prophethood of Muhammad (SAW) part of the curriculum.
Lawmakers from both sides of the political divide protested against the traders using the word Black Friday for sale of commodities at reduced rates, stating it was tantamount to disrespect to Jumatul Mabarak, the sacred day for Muslims.
As the chair did not give ruling, the Opposition staged a walkout from the House.
The session started one hour and 30 minutes beyond the scheduled time with Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal in the chair.
The chair adjourned the session for 20 minutes due to thin attendance. Even after the break, only one question could be taken up and the rest were disposed of due to absence of movers from the House.
The House adopted a resolution calling for inclusion of finality of Prophethood of Muhammad (SAW) as subject in the syllabus of schools and colleges.
The Opposition returned to the House to support the resolution moved by Treasury legislator Waheed Gul on behalf of his colleagues.
The resolution urged the federal and provincial governments to introduce a compulsory subject of “Khatm-e-Nabuwat” in the curriculum to inculcate the faith on the finality of the Prophethood Muhammad (SAW) in the adolescent minds.
The resolution said that belief was basic tenet of Islam, and was also upheld by the constitution of Pakistan. The resolution stressed that in view of the importance of this belief, it must be conveyed to the young generations through the curriculum.
Earlier, leader of the Opposition Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed rose on a point of order and drew attention of the chair towards insults to the Muslim holy day by calling it Black.
He demanded the government to stop traders using the word Black Friday, remove all the boards and hoardings from markets and roads and take action against the responsible. He warned that Opposition would not allow the House proceedings till government action.
Lawmakers from Treasury Benches also supported the viewpoint of colleagues in the Opposition.
Waheed Gull demanded banning such activities and giving exemplary punishment to culprits.
Umar Farooq condemned the blind following of western traditions in the country unchecked. The Opposition members walked out of the House when the Speaker refused to give any ruling on the issue.
Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman assured necessary measures to remove boards, hoardings and banners promoting this western tradition.
Later, PTI’s Nabeela Hakim Ali pointed quorum. As the quorum remained incomplete even ringing of bells for five minutes, the chair adjourned the session till Monday at 2pm.
