LAHORE:
In a heated session of the Punjab Meeting, each treasury and opposition lawmakers clashed over the validity of current by-elections, every claiming to have the assist of the general public.
The session noticed heated debates and accusations flying from each side, with the opposition levelling allegations of unfairness and rigging within the electoral course of.
Opposition chief Ahmad Khan Bhachar launched a scathing assault on the provincial authorities, accusing them of utilizing coercive ways, together with the Punjab police, to affect the election consequence.
Bhachar criticised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Inspector Normal of Police Punjab and different forces for allegedly interfering with the polling course of, resulting in what he described because the darkest chapter in Pakistan’s electoral historical past.
In response, Provincial Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman rejected claims of rigging, asserting that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured victory within the by-elections truthful and sq..
He argued that voters had chosen PML-N over different events, such because the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), and questioned what actions the federal government may take if supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) didn’t present up at polling stations.
Opposition leaders pressed the federal government on its observe report, demanding to know what tangible advantages the PML-N had delivered to the folks, prompting additional criticism of the ruling occasion’s governance.
Rana Aftab Khan, one other distinguished opposition determine, joined in condemning what he termed as rigged elections, whereas PTI consultant Farhat Abbas accused the treasury of dismissing official issues.
The standoff underscores the deep divisions and political turmoil inside the Punjab Meeting, elevating questions concerning the transparency and equity of the electoral course of.
As tensions escalated, the opposition highlighted the dearth of a quorum as soon as once more, prompting the deputy speaker to order a headcount.
With the treasury failing to muster the required variety of legislators to proceed proceedings, the session was adjourned till Tuesday at 11am.
Revealed in The Categorical Tribune, April 23rd, 2024.
