ISLAMABAD: In a dramatically swift develo­pment, the CML member from Gujrat, Chau­d­hry Zahur Elahi, was this morning [June 7] expelled from the National Assembly for the rest of the session for using language derogatory to the Chair and the House, while trying to censure the Government. … Later he was allowed to return but only after he had tendered an unconditional apology and withdrawn his remarks.

Opposition leaders staged a token walkout from the House when Ch. Zahur Elahi was forced to leave. Chaudhry Sahib’s loose tongue enabled the ruling party to take the sting out of the Opposition’s attack and put the Opposition on the defensive. … [L]aw Minister Abdul Hafeez Pirzada rose in his seat, pointing out that he had moved a privilege motion on the serious breach of privilege which Chaudhry Zahur Elahi committed yesterday by casting aspersions on the Chair and insulting the House — describing it as “zaleel” (wretched). — Correspondent

[Meanwhile, as reported by our Special Representative from Islamabad,] following discussion with retired Air Marshal Asghar Khan, Mian Mahmud Ali Kasuri ... announced his decision to join the Tehrike Istiqlal — giving the Tehrik its first representation in the National Assembly.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2023