Uproar in PA as lawmakers clash over speaking time

LAHORE: Proceedings in the Punjab Assembly turned tense on Monday after a sharp exchange broke out between Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MPA Mumtaz Ali Chang and Deputy Speaker Zahir Iqbal Channar over the allocation of speaking time.

The dispute began when Chang objected to what he described as an unfair distribution of time, alleging that opposition lawmakers were being given preference during the sitting. In response, Channar told members to follow the prescribed time limits and cautioned against disrupting the session. He also directed Chang to stay seated and not raise his voice.

As the exchange escalated, the deputy speaker remarked that the House was not a forum for emotional outbursts. Chang, however, said every elected representative had the right to speak and maintained that he was not being given a fair chance to raise issues concerning the public.

After several interruptions, the deputy speaker allowed the PPP lawmaker to speak on a point of order.

Chang raises Seraiki province demand

Once given the floor, Chang called for the establishment of a Seraiki province and said there would be political consequences if the demand continued to be overlooked.

He also drew attention to the shortage of basic sports facilities in his constituency and said matters raised by lawmakers were often not addressed effectively. Chang further said legislators had to make repeated visits to government offices to get constituency issues resolved, while also facing restrictions inside the assembly.

Opposition questions sports department performance

Earlier in the session, opposition member Nadeem Qureshi criticized the Youth Affairs and Sports Department, alleging weak infrastructure, poor implementation of policy and insufficient support for athletes.

He particularly referred to districts including Multan, questioning why the region had not produced international-level athletes. He also raised concerns about facilities available for women.

Government defends spending and programmes

Responding to the criticism, Parliamentary Secretary for Sports Ans Mahmood defended the government’s record and said substantial funds had been set aside for sports development.

He said several schemes were in progress across Punjab under programmes including Khelta Punjab, and added that thousands of athletes were taking part in organized events.

The session was largely overshadowed by the confrontation over speaking time, alongside debate on governance matters and sports policy.