PTI organizes home protest against mistreatment of Imran’s sisters in Adiala jail
ISLAMABAD:
Wednesday’s National Assembly session was marred by protests, challenges to the quorum and heated exchanges between Treasury and opposition members, ultimately forcing the president to adjourn proceedings indefinitely.
During question hour, PPP lawmaker Agha Rafiullah criticized the government, stating that despite members’ efforts to prepare the questions, the answers provided were vague and unhelpful.
He argued that parliamentary practice was far removed from what democratic procedures prescribe. “What’s written in the books, not even ten percent happens here,” he said. He also challenged the government to call the FBR toll-free helpline live from home to test its functionality.
Federal Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry defended the government and said detailed responses had been submitted. He described Rafiullah’s comments as “political” and said he was willing to try the toll-free number off-camera.
As the discussions continued, the PTI legislators entered the house with photographs of their party founder and started chanting slogans.
Opposition members demanded a point of order, which President Ali Zahid’s panel rejected during question time.
Iqbal Afridi of the PTI repeatedly signaled the quorum, prompting the staff to count the members. Although the quorum was initially completed, Afridi raised the objection again. A second count confirmed that only 63 legislators were present.
As PPP lawmakers protested, the panel chairman adjourned the session indefinitely.
