KARACHI, Sept 6: Several provincial ministers have criticized the opposition's conduct during the Monday session of the Sindh Assembly and accused it of running away from a discussion on real issues.

Law Minister Chaudhry Iftekhar, along with Mr Nadir Akmal Laghari, Mr Shoaib Bukhari and Mr Muhammad Hussain, told a press conference after the session that the opposition had presented no agenda for discussion. The ministers also supported Deputy Speaker Rahila Tiwana's decision to prorogue the session.

They maintained that the opposition leader's attempt to discuss a 'substantive motion' was against the rules. "The opposition had submitted the requisition without mentioning an agenda and we thought they may be bringing in some private bill for the welfare of the people in Sindh," Chaudhry Iftekhar said, adding that Sindh CM had advised the treasury benches to let the session continue for 10-12 days for a discussion on genuine issues.

Mr Muhammad Hussain of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement criticized the opposition, especially the MMA, for staging a walkout against the deputy speaker. He said the matter was subjudice and no stay order had been issued against her by a court of law.