LAHORE:
The Punjab Assembly witnessed heated exchanges on Tuesday as the Opposition condemned the arrest of its lawmakers and supporters during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest on August 5, marked nationally as Youm-e-Istehsala day to express solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir.
While treasury members emphasised unity in raising a collective voice against human rights violations in Kashmir and Palestine, the Opposition accused the government of subjecting them to similar treatment.
The session was quickly disrupted by protests from PTI lawmakers. They denounced the police action during Sunday’s protest rallies, where several PTI members were arrested.
Farhat Abbas, PTI MPA, condemned the government for what he called the suppression of democratic rights, stating, “Our parliamentarians were humiliated, manhandled, and even had their clothes torn. Is this Punjab Police or an Indian agency like the SSR?”
He went on to say that the government’s intolerance toward peaceful protests shows that it “fears breathing democracy” and warned of future consequences if such practices continue.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman confirmed that nine PTI MPAs were arrested but said police acted within legal boundaries under Section 144.
“The arrests were not politically motivated but a response to the violation of imposed restrictions,” he clarified.
Opposition MPA Muhammad Waqas Maan questioned the moral position of the government: “How can we raise our voice for Kashmir when our own people are treated in the same cruel and oppressive manner?”
Fahad Masood, another PTI lawmaker, added, “Punjab has effectively become occupied territory for PTI members.”
Rana Arshad, Chief Whip of the PML-N, countered by reminding the House that it was during PTI’s tenure that India revoked the special status of Kashmir. “What did PTI do then except announce protests every Friday?” he asked.
The Assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning India’s move to alter Kashmir’s status.
