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Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PA turns chaotic after slap sparks scuffle, two MPAs suspended
Listen to article The atmosphere in the Punjab Assembly turned heated as lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition sides clashed, both inside and outside the assembly chambers, following an incident in which an opposition MPA slapped a treasury legislator. The slap came after allegations of derogatory language being used by the treasury member, who narrowly escaped. Outside the assembly chambers, reports emerged that some private staff members of the treasury's MPA had used abusive language against opposition MPAs. As a result, Acting Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channer suspended two opposition MPAs for 15 sittings. As the House proceedings began under the chairmanship of Acting Speaker Channer, the opposition entered the chamber chanting slogans in protest over the disqualification of PTI's three lawmakers, including the opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar. This disqualification followed sentences handed down by anti-terrorism courts in relation to the May 9 incidents. رولز 210 کے تحت خالد نثار ڈوگر کو پندرہ نشستوں کےلیے معطل کردیا گیا۔۔ — Imran Bhatti (@ReporterBhatti) July 28, 2025 Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman strongly opposed the opposition's conduct, saying that they were violating their commitment to act in accordance with Rule 223 of the Rules of Procedure. Deputy Opposition Leader Muhammad Moeenuddin Riaz requested the chair to halt proceedings on the assembly's agenda, seeking permission to speak on the sentences awarded to PTI's lawmakers, including Opposition Leader Bhachar. Treasury minister Rehman said Bhachar was like a brother to them, but stressed that the government was not responsible for the sentence. He clarified that Bhachar had been sentenced by the court for his actions. Acting Speaker Channer said that discussions on court decisions would not be permitted, but allowed the opposition to express solidarity with Bhachar. As PTI's MPAs expressed their dissatisfaction with the government over the sentences, treasury lawmakers also criticised the opposition, particularly highlighting the May 9 incidents. Read More: ECP disqualifies three PTI lawmakers following ATC verdict in May 9 case PTI's Chief Whip Rana Shahbaz Ahmad, holding the Holy Quran, questioned the House, asking if he looked like a terrorist and why multiple FIRs had been registered against him if he had not been involved in terrorism activities. This prompted a reaction from Acting Speaker Channer, who urged lawmakers to avoid politicising the Holy Quran. The opposition then staged a token boycott, arguing that their privileges had been violated due to the sentences. Upon returning, an argument between Deputy Opposition Leader Riaz and Acting Speaker Channer escalated when opposition lawmaker Khalid Nisar Dogar rushed toward the treasury benches and slapped PML-N MPA Hassan Riaz, accusing him of using abusive language despite repeated requests to stop. The incident quickly escalated, with both sides facing off. Some senior lawmakers intervened to calm the situation. Acting Speaker Channer condemned the behaviour, stating, "Dogar Sahib, you did not act appropriately. Such conduct is not tolerable in the assembly." The House was adjourned for five minutes as Acting Speaker Channer summoned the lawmakers from both sides to his chamber. Upon resumption, both sides condemned the altercation. The treasury side expressed regret over the attack, while Deputy Opposition Leader Riaz remarked that using derogatory language was also unacceptable. He added that, according to the speaker's order, the matter should have been referred to the concerned ethics committee. Also Read: Police suspect Sidra Arab killed by strangulation Acting Speaker Channer stated, "Today, I consider this to be one of the darkest days in this assembly." He emphasised that the issue was not just about two lawmakers but the dignity of the House itself. He ruled to suspend Khalid Nisar Dogar for 15 sittings. As the opposition left the House chanting slogans, MPA Sheikh Imtiaz pointed out a lack of quorum, which prompted a response from Channer confirming that quorum was met. However, Imtiaz persisted with his objection, leading to his suspension for 15 sittings as well. After completing the agenda items, Acting Speaker Channer adjourned the House until 2 pm on July 29. As lawmakers from both sides entered the media hall, another scuffle broke out. However, no physical attacks were reported this time. Outside the assembly chambers, some private members were reported to have shouted and used abusive language against PTI lawmakers. The opposition condemned the actions of the private members, calling them "hooliganism" and stating that they would not bow down to fascism and cruelty despite being cornered.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
ECP disqualifies three PTI lawmakers following ATC verdict in May 9 case
Listen to article The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued disqualification notifications for three Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers, including Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, following their convictions by an anti-terrorism court. In a notification issued Monday, the ECP confirmed the disqualification of Chaudhry, MNA Muhammad Ahmad Chattha, and Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar. All three were handed 10-year prison sentences under anti-terrorism charges. Senator Chaudhry was found guilty by an anti-terrorism court and is no longer eligible to remain a member of the Senate under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution, the ECP said. 'The anti-terrorism court has declared Ejaz Chaudhry guilty and sentenced him to ten years,' the notification stated. Read More: Shah Mahmood Qureshi acquitted, Yasmin Rashid sentenced to 10 years The ECP also disqualified MNA Chattha and MPA Bhachar, citing similar convictions. Chattha was elected from NA-66 Wazirabad, while Bhachar represented PP-87 Mianwali in the Punjab Assembly. Last week, an anti-terrorism Court (ATC) in Sargodha sentenced Bhachar and other PTI workers to 10 years in prison each. Meanwhile, ATC Lahore acquitted six PTI leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Hamza Azeem, in connection with the May 9 riots, while sentencing 10 others, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, to 10 years in prison. Also Read: Imran involved in May 9 conspiracy, rules LHC The court delivered its verdict in the case concerning inflammatory speeches and vandalism at the Sherpao Bridge. The court, which had completed final arguments from both the defence and prosecution, reserved its decision before announcing the ruling. The verdict stated that the ATC acquitted Qureshi, Azeem, and four other accused due to insufficient evidence. However, the court found 10 others guilty and handed down 10-year prison sentences for their role in the violence that followed the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. May 9 Riots The May 9 riots erupted nationwide following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, after which PTI leaders and workers staged protests targeting both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the GHQ in Rawalpindi. The military condemned the events as a "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act. As a result of the unrest, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan's nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more. In January, 19 convicts had their sentences pardoned following successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction over the limited number of pardons. The military trials had initially been halted following a Supreme Court ruling but were resumed following the court's instructions to finalise pending cases and announce judgments for those involved in the violent incidents.
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Govt hails ATC verdict in May 9 cases
Hailing it as a "positive step", the federal government on Tuesday welcomed a trial court's decision to convict a number of PTI leaders including Punjab Assembly Leader of Opposition Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar in the May 9 rioting cases. "Today, the Sargodha ATC issued an order and we welcome it ... I think it is a very positive step as justice has been upheld," Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik said on Monday while addressing a press conference in Islamabad. He said the verdict "fulfils all requirements of justice" and followed due process since the entire trial proceedings were carried out legally. "The decision announced is in accordance with the law and the Constitution," Malik said. "When you take the law into your own hand, whether you're an MNA or MPA or opposition leader ... the [status] doesn't matter, as the law is equal for everyone and will come into force." Responding to the verdict, Bhachar wrote on X that he will not leave "the leader of Umat-e-Muslima and son of Mianwali the Prime Minister Imran Khan" no matter what. Other PTI leaders also condemned the verdicts as a mockery of justice. Deputy leader of opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Muhammad Moeen Ud Din Riaz Qureshi, termed the ATC verdicts a "black day for democracy" He said lawmakers including Bhachar of the largest province were unlawfully sentenced relying upon fabricated evidence and witnesses. "Every child in Pakistan knows well about the fate of these cases. Public is fully aware about the court's conduct. The PTI will challenge the decision of the ATC in appellate court. Bhachar was the opposition leader and he will remain the opposition leader," he said. PTI's chief whip in the Punjab Assembly, Rana Shahbaz Ahmad, said such verdicts won't force them to bow, as they stood for a cause and the nation's future. "If such decisions persist, there is no doubt 80% of PTI lawmakers will be sentenced — despite having no link to the FIR offences," he said. He demanded that the government constitute a committee for reviewing the forged cases registered across Punjab against PTI leaders, workers and supporters. Another lawmaker Waqas Maan criticized the ATC's verdict, calling it nothing short of a "funeral of justice." He warned the government against sidelining the opposition, reminding it that it might face a similar situation in future.
NDTV
7 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Pakistan Courts Sentence Dozens From Imran Khan's Party
Islamabad: A Pakistani opposition leader was among more than three dozen members and supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan's party sentenced to 10 years in prison on Tuesday, the government said. The sentences were handed down by anti-terrorism courts in the eastern cities of Lahore and Sargodha after dozens were found guilty of involvement in anti-government riots when Khan was first arrested. "Punjab Assembly's Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Bhachar has been awarded a 10-year sentence," deputy minister of law Aqeel Malik said in a press conference. Bhachar helms the opposition in Punjab, Pakistan's most populous and politically influential province. Following Tuesday's verdict, he pledged on social media "not to abandon" support for Khan. A spokesman for Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party told AFP that Bhachar was not arrested until Tuesday evening. In addition to Bhachar, a court in Sargodha also sentenced a sitting lawmaker, a former parliamentarian and 32 other supporters of PTI to 10 years each for attacking government buildings, Malik said. Separately, a court in Lahore sentenced eight PTI members to 10 years in prison each for their involvement in riots in that city. Those sentenced include former governor of Punjab province Omar Sarfraz Cheema, former provincial minister Yasmin Rashid, and Ejaz Ahmed Chaudhary, a sitting senator. However, former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was acquitted along with five others. Khan, in office from 2018 to 2022, was initially arrested in May 2023, sparking nationwide unrest, some of which targeted military facilities. Tuesday's sentences were handed down for attacks on police and civilian installations in Khan's home constituencies of Mianwali city and Lahore. Those accused of targeting military installations are facing separate trials in military courts. PTI has vowed to challenge the verdicts in higher courts. The prosecutions "expose a disturbing pattern of procedural impropriety, selective justice, and constitutional violations," said Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, the London-based spokesman for PTI. He called the trials "political spectacles... that are being rushed through at breakneck speed — day-to-day hearings, even late-night sessions till 10:40 PM on a Saturday." Khan has been jailed since August 2023 on a slew of corruption charges his party says are politically motivated. His supporters and senior party leaders have also faced a severe crackdown, with thousands rounded up and Khan's name censored from television. Last year, a UN panel of experts found that Khan's detention "had no legal basis and appears to have been intended to disqualify him" from contesting elections. Khan's popularity continues to undermine a shaky coalition government that kept PTI from power after the polls last year.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Pakistan courts sentence Khan's party members to 10 years
ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani opposition leader and dozens of supporters from former prime minister Imran Khan's party were sentenced to 10 years in prison on Tuesday, government officials confirmed. The verdicts were issued by anti-terrorism courts in Lahore and Sargodha following convictions tied to violent protests after Khan's arrest last year. 'Punjab Assembly's Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Bhachar has been awarded a 10-year sentence,' said deputy law minister Aqeel Malik. Bhachar, who leads the opposition in Punjab, vowed on social media to continue backing Khan despite the ruling. A PTI spokesman noted Bhachar was only detained late Tuesday. In Sargodha, a court sentenced a sitting lawmaker, a former parliamentarian, and 32 PTI supporters to 10 years each for attacking government buildings. Lahore's court separately jailed eight PTI members, including ex-Punjab governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema and former minister Yasmin Rashid, for similar charges. Former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was among six acquitted. The cases stem from unrest after Khan's May 2023 arrest, which saw clashes with security forces and attacks on state property. PTI's London-based spokesman Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari condemned the trials as 'political spectacles... rushed through at breakneck speed,' citing late-night hearings. Khan, jailed since August 2023 on contested corruption charges, remains a potent political force despite a media blackout on his name. A UN panel previously called Khan's detention legally baseless, suggesting it aimed to bar him from elections. His enduring popularity challenges Pakistan's ruling coalition, which blocked PTI from power after disputed polls. - AFP
