LAHORE:
Lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition benches of the Punjab Assembly have agreed on the need for an impartial inquiry into the entry of unidentified persons at the time of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s arrival at the premises.
However, no one could clarify under whose instructions the persons had entered the building, which allegedly led to hooliganism.
During the assembly session on Tuesday, the opposition also formally demanded an inquiry, maintaining that transparency is in the interest of all stakeholders.
At the same time, the finance ministry condemned the mistreatment of journalists, allegedly by visitors accompanying the CM, as well as derogatory remarks by opposition lawmakers against journalists covering assembly proceedings.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari staged a walkout to express solidarity with journalists. She alleged that the staff of the visiting CM had pushed and abused journalists. She said a day earlier that an opposition member had labeled journalists in the Press Gallery as “sell-out media” and she condemned the act.
The minister stated that an opposition member had accused her of planting people in the building and termed the allegation baseless and false. She announced that she would be filing a defamation suit over false accusations.
Opposition member Rana Shehbaz also called for an inquiry into the alleged hooliganism and unauthorized entry of unknown persons into the assembly.
He said a transparent investigation was essential to establish responsibility.
Rana Shehbaz said he had conveyed that certain remarks should not have been made, adding that the Speaker had also addressed a press conference in the Assembly regarding the incident.
