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A dramatic session of the National Assembly unfolded on Wednesday, as PTI members shouted slogans and staged protests after being denied permission to speak by the Speaker.
The uproar began when PTI lawmakers raised objections over the conduct of the Interior Ministry, but the Speaker’s refusal to address their concerns led to further chaos.
The session kicked off with the Speaker putting on headphones to begin proceedings. The House moved forward with the set agenda, with Speaker Ayaz Saddiqe emphasizing that matters already settled by the Business House Advisory Committee would not be revisited. “I will not take a U-turn on settled matters,” the Speaker firmly declared in response to PTI’s objections.
The tensions escalated when the Speaker voiced frustration over the lack of a response from the Ministry of Interior. “Which officer of the Ministry of Interior is present in the gallery to answer four questions?” he demanded, as no one from the ministry stepped forward to provide answers. His anger grew when he further stated, “I will talk to the secretary about the behavior of interior ministry officers,” accusing them of neglecting their duties in the House.
As PTI members continued to protest, the situation became even more heated. Opposition leader Umer Ayub was denied permission to speak on a point of objection, triggering a full-force protest from PTI lawmakers. Despite the Speaker’s insistence that Ayub, who had gone to offer prayers, should have attended to the session earlier, the refusal to allow him to speak only fueled the dissent. PTI members, banging their desks and chanting slogans, demanded the Speaker address their grievances.
Amid the protests, the Speaker remained resolute, refusing to allow the opposition leader to raise the objection. The growing frustration among PTI members was palpable, with many accusing the Speaker of silencing their voice. “We are being bulldozed,” one PTI lawmaker was heard shouting as they continued their protests in the chamber.
In the midst of the uproar, sources revealed that the government is moving ahead with plans to amend the controversial PECA Act (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act), a piece of legislation that has drawn criticism for its potential to curb online freedom. The government intends to make further amendments to the Act, focusing on measures to combat fake news and regulate social media platforms more strictly. These developments are expected to spark further debate in the coming days.
Despite the tension, the Speaker pressed on with the proceedings, trying to maintain order while PTI members continued their protest.
