LAHORE, Nov 3: Opposition leader Qasim Zia criticized the government for proroguing the session of the Punjab Assembly after failing to complete quorum.

Talking to reporters at his chamber here on Monday, Mr Zia said the strength of ministers, parliamentary secretaries and advisers to the chief minister swelled well over 100 while only 93 members were required to meet the quorum criteria.

“But lack of interest in the house proceedings on the part of this brigade of the government office-bearers has proved that they are a group of opportunists, who come to the assembly only to register their presence before their bosses,” he regretted.

He deplored that the government could not ensure quorum for the session convened to pass its own laws.

He denied that the opposition had assured the treasury of its cooperation for Monday’s proceedings.

Deputy opposition leader Rana Sanaullah said the members of the treasury participated in the house proceedings only when they had to pass some resolutions flattering the generals.

He said the arrest of ARD President Javed Hashmi had exposed the status of institutions in the eyes of those who matter.