ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly on Thursday witnessed heated exchanges between the ruling and opposition benches with the SIC alleging that the PML-Q’s Tariq Bashir Cheema used abusive language against its female MNA Zartaj Gul.
Chaos erupted in the National Assembly when a verbal argument between Zartaj Gul and Tariq Bashir Cheema escalated into a physical altercation involving members from both sides, prompting intervention from fellow MNAs and security personnel to restore order.
During his address to the assembly, PML-Q MNA Tariq Bashir Cheema was interrupted by Zartaj Gul, who referenced the Bahawalpur incident. Following his speech, Cheema approached Zartaj Gul’s seat, leading to a tense exchange allegedly involving verbal insults, which incited members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) to react, prompting a confrontation.
According to media reports, opposition members rushed towards Tariq Bashir Cheema, prompting efforts from security personnel and government members to intervene. Opposition members vocally demanded, “Bring her back, we will not let him go. He has insulted our female colleague.”
Subsequently, opposition members met with the Speaker of the National Assembly, during which Zartaj Gul accused Tariq Bashir Cheema of using immoral and vulgar language. This led to protests from PTI-SIC members, who demanded Cheema’s primary membership be suspended, asserting that the House would not proceed without taking action against him, and insisting on an apology from Cheema.
PTI-SIC MNA Shahid Khan condemned Cheema’s behavior, asserting that Cheema had verbally abused Zartaj Gul, and called for his membership to be suspended, announcing plans for protests. Atif Khan, another PTI-SIC MNA, criticized Cheema’s conduct as unbecoming of a parliamentarian, particularly highlighting the use of abusive language towards Zartaj.
MNA Iqbal Afridi condemned the verbal assault on a woman, expressing regret over resorting to abusive language, especially directed towards a female colleague.
Syed Aminul Haq of MQM-P lamented the chaos in the NA, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect among politicians to resolve conflicts amicably.
Noor Alam Khan of JUI-F expressed dismay over the chaotic scenes in the assembly, emphasizing the need for restraint and control over temperament among legislators, especially considering that parliamentary proceedings were being broadcast live.
