The Punjab Assembly session on Sunday was adjourned for 10 minutes after government and opposition members traded harsh words over remarks made by treasury lawmaker Ahsan Raza Khan against former police officer Umar Virk, father of opposition MPA Awais Virk.
The ruckus began during Ahsan Raza Khan’s speech when he criticised Umar Virk while speaking about the police and the Counter Crime Department. Opposition members objected strongly and demanded an apology.
Panel of Chair Iftikhar Hussain Chachhar ordered that objectionable words be expunged from the proceedings.
Opposition members stood on their seats in protest and accused the government member of using derogatory language against the father of Awais Virk. Government and opposition members also moved toward each other before other lawmakers intervened.
Awais Virk defended his father’s record and said his services for the country were not hidden. He said Umar Virk had arrested several terrorists and brought them to justice.
He said his father investigated terrorism cases in Lahore and handled cases linked to attacks at the Lahore High Court, Naval War College, Sri Lankan cricket team, FIA Manawan Police Training Centre, Data Darbar, Moon Market, Wagah Border and other places.
Awais Virk said his father had also arrested suspects involved in attacks on Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif.
Opposition lawmaker Rana Aftab Ahmed condemned Ahsan Raza Khan’s remarks and said Umar Virk was like an elder brother to him.
“There is a limit to tolerance,” Rana Aftab said. “He should think about what he has said and apologise.”
The opposition demanded suspension of Ahsan Raza Khan and later a delegation went to the Speaker’s Chamber. The delegation included Ijaz Shafi, Sardar Muhammad Ali, Brigadier Mushtaq and Major Ghulam Sarwar.
Responding to the criticism, Ahsan Raza Khan said the credit for ending political interference in Punjab’s institutions went to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
He criticised PTI’s tenure and said the previous government had damaged institutions and failed to deliver on promises of jobs and houses.
Ahsan Raza Khan said the supplementary grant had been used for development work, including road infrastructure, university campuses, health facilities and other public projects.
He said roads had been built in different areas, including Sargodha, Khushab, Kasur and Deepalpur, and health facilities in villages had been improved.
He said every penny was being spent on the prosperity of Punjab and defended the government’s performance under Maryam Nawaz.
The session was disrupted after the exchange, with members from both sides shouting slogans and using harsh language before the chair adjourned proceedings.
Reporter: Rao Dilshad