PML-Q’s Tariq Bashir Cheema’s obnoxious behaviour with opposition lawmaker Zartaj Gul triggered an uproar in the National Assembly, prompting security to intervene on Thursday.
Tariq Bashir went to Zartaj Gul and hurled abuses at her after the latter interrupted his speech on the floor of the house.
As Zartaj said “Get out from here,” the opposition leaders gathered around her. Agha Rafiullah took Tariq out of the spot as Iqbal Afridi leapt to attack Tariq in the lower house of the parliament.
As the opposition staged a strong protest, Tariq tendered an apology while the speaker suspended his membership for tomorrow’s session was suspended. Former speaker Asad Qaiser and opposition leader Omar Ayub also joined the protest.
The opposition demanded the speaker suspend Cheema’s primary membership and an apology.
PPP leaders too bemoaned Bashir’s act. Atif Khan, another PTI-SIC MNA, criticized Cheema’s conduct as unbecoming of a parliamentarian, particularly highlighting the use of abusive language towards Zartaj.
MNA Iqbal Afridi condemned the verbal assault on a woman, expressing regret over resorting to abusive language, especially directed towards a female colleague.
Syed Aminul Haq of MQM-P lamented the chaos in the NA, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect among politicians to resolve conflicts amicably.
Noor Alam Khan of JUI expressed dismay over the chaos in the assembly, emphasizing the need for restraint and control over temperament among legislators, especially considering that parliamentary proceedings were being broadcast live.