The inaugural session of the Punjab Assembly was marred on Friday by reports of a PTI-backed lawmaker’s arrest as the session commenced after a significant delay.
Reports of Mian Aslam’s arrest, a PTI-backed independent lawmaker and the party’s nominee for the post of chief minister, from the gate of the assembly, turned the atmosphere within the house tense.
Speaker Sibtain Khan has instructed the police to submit a report on Aslam’s status.
PML-N lawmakers present in the assembly have urged for the speaker to administer the oath while those in opposition have asked the speaker to adjourn the proceedings of the house as reserve seats have not yet been allotted to them.
The speaker has adjourned the session till after Friday prayers
The PML-N has nominated Maryam Nawaz as its candidate for the chief ministership. If elected, then Maryam would become the first-ever female chief minister in the country’s history.
Despite challenges to the election results by PTI-backed independents in several Punjab constituencies, the PML-N asserts it has garnered sufficient seats to establish the government. To achieve this in Punjab, the party needs backing from 186 MPAs.
In the February 8 elections, the PML-N secured 137 seats. On Friday, it was assigned 36 reserved seats for women and five for minorities, raising its total strength in the 397-seat house to 178. However, the party contends it enjoys support from over 190 MPAs.
‘Level playing field for some, not others’
Speaker Punjab Assembly Sibtain Khan said a level playing field has been provided to some lawmakers while not to others, in reference to obstacles being faced by PTI-backed independent candidates.
“Now that I have come to the assembly, I shall see who stops the representatives of the people from coming to the premie,” said Khan on arrival at the assembly.
He added that he would seek information regarding those lawmakers who have been barred from entering the premises.
“Today in the assembly, there will be no other activity apart from administering oath to the nine designated lawmakers.”
