ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly (NA) session, convened to debate the resolution tabled for the sanctity of prophethood on Friday, was adjourned indefinitely without debate after Opposition lawmakers protested.
The session began with NA Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri in the chair. However, the session was marred by chaos and could not proceed with the agenda of the day.
Soon after the session started, opposition lawmakers stood up from their seats, asking the deputy speaker to allow them to speak on the point of contention. On being refused, the opposition lawmakers surrounded the deputy speaker’s dais.
The deputy speaker told the protesting lawmakers that they will be given a chance to speak. However, the PML-N and PPP announced to boycott the question and answer session, and resorted to sloganeering against the government. Speaker Suri subsequently adjourned the session for an indefinite period.
Earlier on Tuesday, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) called off its violent protests after the government agreed to table a resolution in parliament to debate the French ambassador’s expulsion.
During a meeting of the the PTI parliamentary party, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid and Religious Affairs Minister Noorul Haq Qadri briefed the participants about the understanding reached with the TLP.
They said the TLP agreed to end its protest across the country after the government accepted its demand to table a resolution in the National Assembly on whether or not the French ambassador should be expelled from the country.
