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LAHORE, Oct 12: The Punjab Assembly on Thursday could not hold debate on price hike as the proceedings were adjourned because of lack of quorum.
Treasury member Khizar Ilyas pointed out quorum when deputy speaker Sardar Shaukat Mazari announced conclusion of the question hour and start of general discussion on prices of essential commodities in Punjab, the last item on the agenda for the day.
Deputy Opposition Leader Rana Sanaullah said pointing out of quorum by a treasury member showed the government had no concern with the common man who was finding it difficult to make both ends meet because of unprecedented inflation.
The chair ordered ringing of bells for five minutes when the teller confirmed lack of quorum.
Mr Rana said it was against the parliamentary traditions of the house to point out quorum either during question hour or the general discussion.
The bells were ringing when Law Minister Raja Basharat asked the chair to order count. The teller had hardly started the count when the women on the treasury benches started moving out, followed by ruling party backbenchers.
There were 65 or so MPAs in the house when the chair announced adjournment to meet again on Friday at 9am. The announcement led to uproar in the house and the opposition members left the house chanting slogans like `shame, shame,’ and Lotay (turncoats).
POPE: The house unanimously adopted a resolution against the remarks of Pope Benedict against Islam.
“The remarks of the Pope, especially about the spread of Islam, have hurt the feelings of the Ummah and disturbed all Muslims. The house condemns the remarks in the strongest terms,” said the resolution jointly moved by the treasury and opposition benches.
Arshad Baggu of the MMA moved the resolution on behalf of Law Minister Raja Basharat, opposition leader Qasim Zia, deputy opposition leader Rana Sanaullah and others.
ENCROACHERS: Strict action will be taken against car dealers and other traders who block service lanes and roads on Sundays or on weekdays in various parts of the city.
The Punjab government has issued instructions to the district and town administrations in this regard, the law minister told the house while responding to an adjournment motion raised by Kanwal Nasim, reports APP.
The minister claimed that district and town administrations were already vigilant on the issue. Acting speaker Shaukat Husain Mazari disposed of the adjournment motion after the assurance given by the minister.
To another adjournment motion presented by Khalida Mansoor regarding overcharging from patients by the staff of THQ Hospital, Chiniot, Mr Mazari directed the minister for health to probe the matter and present a report.
The minister assured the house that he would send the health parliamentary secretary to probe the facts and submit his findings.
