For the last two days the lawmakers of the Punjab Assembly are presenting awful scenes, setting a bad example for the whole world to see. The house turned into a wrestling ring when the women parliamentarians had a scuffle with their male counterpart on a point of order. Seemal Kamran of PML-Q had raised objections against the Chief Minister Punjab for his involvement in the violent protests against load shedding that saw attacks on the houses of MNAs from the PML-Q and PPP. Instead of responding in a civilised manner, Sheikh Allauddin from the PML-Q (Unification Bloc), keeping to his old habits, started using abusive language against Seemal and her other female colleagues. Matters grew worse as another lawmaker, Naseem Khawaja, threw a shoe at Seemal. The retaliation saw exchanges of blows, hot words and a fracas until the house was adjourned for the day. The Speaker formed a three-member committee to probe the incident, which eventually suspended the membership of three parliamentarians till the completion of the budget session. In the meantime one of the suspended female members, while trying to enter the assembly forcibly, ended up in hospital due to the resulting brawl. Assemblies provide a forum to discuss and debate issues of national importance. Speaking on behalf of their constituents, the lawmakers resolve issues confronting the latter through arguments and counter-arguments but never through the use of force or vandalism. It is a prestigious institution depending on the sagacity and judiciousness of the lawmakers for its dignity and respect. Sans these qualities, we have an animal farm of the type the Punjab Assembly has become for the last two days. Seeing the lawmakers indulge in such unacceptable behaviour raises some serious questions about their ability to manage the affairs of the nation, especially when terrorism, sectarianism, the energy disaster and political turmoil have the country in their grip. Assemblies are not places to settle scores through fisticuffs and wrestling matches. No one is allowed to use the floor of the assembly to display violence or abusive behaviour. In this case both the treasury and the opposition stand guilty. Is not the present situation providing ammunition to the undemocratic forces to malign democracy vigorously? The ‘war’ in the democratic camp could boomerang in the politicians’ faces through a return to authoritarian days, sending the whole democratic edifice packing once again. In their own interests, the politicians had better learn to behave, inside and outside the assemblies. *