The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) walked out of the National Assembly again today and refused any reconciliation until the Punjab government ends its provocative statements. The session, presided over by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, began smoothly, but tensions rose during the question hour when PPP’s Raja Pervaiz Ashraf raised a point of order. Although points of order aren’t permitted in that period, the insistence of PPP members prompted the Speaker to grant Ashraf the floor.
As he spoke, Ashraf claimed an urgent national issue needed attention and defended PPP’s alliance with the federal government. He acknowledged the constraints of procedure but emphasized that flood-affected citizens deserve better. He criticized comments by Punjab officials and said PPP would not be silenced until Punjab made amends. He also reminded the House that PPP has always supported national unity over provincial divides.
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Ashraf added that PPP would not compromise its dignity. He alleged that the security of their parliamentary leader in Punjab Assembly had been withdrawn. He said insults were being hurled against PPP in the name of politics. The party resolved that unless Punjab offers assurances, PPP cannot sit in the Assembly. He challenged Punjab to show 17 projects from 17 years and reiterated the party’s commitment to justice for its supporters.
During the standoff, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser sided with PPP’s stance. He offered to back a no-confidence motion against the government if PPP seeks it. Meanwhile, PPP members loudly protested criticism from Punjab’s government before exiting the assembly chamber in a dramatic walkout. Speaker Sadiq’s attempts to mediate failed, and the party remained unmoved.
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Finally, the dysfunctional assembly session was adjourned until October 9 at 5:00 pm due to lack of quorum. PPP declared it would not partake in any legislation while disparaging remarks against its leadership and president continued. The frayed relationship between Punjab and PPP remains unresolved, setting the stage for further clashes.