Opposition protests Punjab government's 1.1B PKR plane in assembly session
Pakistan
Punjab Assembly erupts over Rs1.1 billion government plane purchase. Opposition protests with paper planes; debate intensifies with remarks on Imran Khan and unparliamentary language
LAHORE (DUNYA NEWS) - The issue of the provincial government’s purchase of an airplane resurfaced in the Punjab Assembly, creating a tense atmosphere during the question hour session.
During the proceedings, matters related to the Information Department were discussed.
However, tensions escalated when Shazia Abid of the Pakistan Peoples Party asked whether the Chief Minister would use the 1.1 billion PKR aircraft for a visit to Rajanpur.
In response, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari stated that if Bilawal Bhutto can travel on the Sindh government’s plane, this is Punjab government’s aircraft, and it is at the administration’s discretion.
Opposition Leader Moin Riaz Qureshi questioned under which budget head the aircraft was purchased and its necessity, prompting opposition members to wave paper airplanes in protest within the assembly.
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The Speaker remarked that while a response might validate the purchase, answering such questions was not his responsibility.
The opposition also raised issues concerning Imran Khan’s health and incarceration. In response, Rana Arshad said critics should reflect on actions during their own tenure.
The session turned more contentious when government member Ahsan Raza referred to the founder of PTI with derogatory language, leading the assembly to echo with unparliamentary remarks.
The Speaker instructed members to refrain from using inappropriate terms, emphasizing that derogatory language against leaders would not be tolerated.
