A chaotic scene unfolded in the Punjab Assembly on Monday when opposition lawmaker Khalid Nisar Dogar slapped government member Hassan Riaz, leading to a physical altercation that briefly halted the session. The confrontation occurred after both lawmakers exchanged provocative remarks during the ongoing session, chaired by Acting Speaker Zahid Iqbal Channar.
The situation in the Punjab Assembly escalated quickly when opposition member Khalid Nisar Dogar struck government lawmaker Hassan Riaz, triggering a scuffle on the floor of the house. This incident prompted Acting Speaker Zahid Iqbal Channar to adjourn the session for five minutes in an effort to restore order.
Following the brief suspension, Speaker Channar held consultations with senior members of the government to address the altercation. Opposition lawmakers were eventually directed to return to the house, while government members strongly condemned the physical assault, calling it “undemocratic” and “unacceptable.” “We can tolerate slogans, but physical assault is intolerable,” they emphasized, urging disciplinary actions against Dogar.
This incident marks another point of contention in a turbulent period for the Punjab Assembly. Just two weeks prior, the Acting Speaker had ordered the reinstatement of 26 opposition members who had been suspended after a raucous protest during a speech by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The protest had led to a disruption of proceedings, with lawmakers surrounding the speaker’s dais and raising slogans, which resulted in the suspension of 26 PTI members and fines for damaging public property.
The Punjab Assembly had also seen tensions rise when Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan filed disqualification references with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against the suspended opposition lawmakers for their “unparliamentary conduct.” However, after successful negotiations between the government and the opposition, these petitions were rejected.
Furthermore, opposition lawmakers attempted to remove nine chairpersons of committees affiliated with the government, though these motions were ultimately blocked. Prior to these developments, four opposition chairpersons had already been removed.
In a written decision, the Speaker cautioned against allowing unscrutinized actions, warning that such practices could “weaken the constitutional framework” and undermine the freedom of expression within the provincial assembly.
