From abusive language to hurling of handbag items

LAHORE Putting Wednesday in the historical perspective of the Punjab Assembly, it was certainly a different one considering hurling of abuses and throwing of things at a respectable member by another worthy MPA, and was a scene to remember for at least many years to come provided someone dares to cross the bar set so high on this day. However, the mandatory 100th day of proceedings ended at a bad note as well since the Opposition boycotted the proceedings after their 'culprit Shaikh Allauddin stuck to his guns, and did not beg pardon, as per Oppositions demand. The Question-Hour was in progress, and going on smoothly till Forward Bloc member Shaikh Alla stood up with an intention to raise an additional query about reply of the Home Department. He was as usual greeted with 'Lota Lota slogans, and he lost his temper as per routine, and resorted to his predictable personal attacks, which were obviously not digested by the females of the Opposition benches, especially belonging to the PML-Q, as Shaikh Alla had been part of them. It was clear that both sides were spoiling for a fight. Those taunting me must know that they manage make-up expenses from medical bills, reimbursed from the Punjab Assembly. An in-house committee should be formed, and I will substantiate my assertion how many times and who submitted bogus medical bills for reimbursements, he observed. The Shaikh was given a tit-for-tat reply from equally aggressive and belligerent females, led by Samina Khawar Hayat, who, after failing to cool down her tempers with words, started throwing 'stuff from her bag on Sheikh Alla, who responded by 'more indecent expressions which were expunged from the proceedings. The Shaikh also told the House about an 'objectionable but indescribable object alongwith lipstick and mirror, which had landed over him. This ensued almost half-an-hour of activity could best be termed as 'trading of slogans and bartering of personal allegations. Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan was totally helpless in bringing the House to order, especially when PPPs members had also joined the broil. It was certainly a show of the worthy graduates, who were elected to the highest provincial legislative house for resolving issues faced by the masses. However, when the throats had run dry and a bag got emptied, Parliamentary Leader of the PML-Q Ch Zaheer-ud-Din opined that the word 'Lota was a parliamentary, and 'trouble creator Sheikh Alla should not mind this anymore. Sheikh Sahab must not get personal, and should avoid verbosity about family life, he averred. Even Speakers orders to expunge 'indecent words and expressions from the proceedings did not cool down the vocal PMLQ MPAs. He warned lady from Kasur Samina Khawar Hayat against using abusive language. For PPPs members, he asked Ashraf Sohna to control them. However, Sohna asked the Speaker to analyse their (Treasurys) attitude. He alleged his opponents of being intolerant to criticism, while the Opposition is still serious about House business, and running it smoothly. He blasted Shaikh Alla, and opined that it was a black day in the Punjab Assembly history. He requested Speaker for securing an unconditional apology from the Shaikh. If Alla is not willing to beg pardon, then his membership should be suspended for the remaining days of the ongoing session, wanted Sohna. In case of unactualisation of any of the demands, he threatened of boycotting the proceedings. Upon this, and seeing no compliance, the Opposition left the House despite the Speaker tried his best to stop them. Even his effort to call back Opposition through a committee proved to be futile. Then came to the scene Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, who had been a silent spectator so far. In his all presumed fairness, he was of the view that members of both sides crossed the limits, while it was not Treasury members total fault. Oppositions three to four ladies will never be allowed to take the house hostage, he vowed, while requesting the Chair to continue the House business. Saeed Akbar Niwani further added to Sanas assertion.