A chaotic scene unfolded during a session of the Punjab Assembly on July 28, 2025, when opposition member Khalid Nisar Dogar slapped government lawmaker Hassan Riaz, resulting in a brief disruption of the proceedings. The altercation occurred after both lawmakers exchanged provocative remarks, leading to the physical confrontation.
The incident took place under the chairmanship of Acting Speaker Zahid Iqbal Channar. The situation quickly escalated as Dogar slapped Riaz, prompting a scuffle among the members. In response, the acting speaker adjourned the session for five minutes to restore order.
Following the brief adjournment, Speaker Channar held discussions with senior government members. The opposition was later instructed to return to the house. The government lawmakers strongly condemned the incident, calling it “undemocratic” and “unacceptable.” They emphasized that while slogans could be tolerated, physical assault was not. They demanded disciplinary action against the responsible members.
This altercation comes nearly two weeks after Acting Speaker Channar had ordered the reinstatement of 26 opposition members who had been suspended earlier. These members had faced suspension for their disruptive behavior during a protest in the house on June 27, 2025. The opposition lawmakers had surrounded the speaker’s dais and raised slogans during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s speech, causing the session to break down.
As a result, Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan had suspended 26 opposition lawmakers for 15 sittings and imposed fines on 10 of them for damaging public property. He also filed disqualification references against the 26 members with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). However, after negotiations between the government and opposition, the speaker rejected the petitions for disqualification.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between the government and opposition members in the provincial assembly, as well as the challenges in maintaining order and discipline within the house.
