PML-N and PTI lawmakers exchange heated insults as speaker expunges unparliamentary remarks amid rising tensions.
Image: DAWN
The National Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes on Wednesday as members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) engaged in heated exchanges during the ongoing budget debate.
The session, chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, saw repeated use of unparliamentary language, which was later expunged from the record as tempers flared between treasury and opposition benches.
Former speaker Asad Qaiser launched a sharp attack on Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, alleging political interference and questioning electoral conduct, while demanding his resignation over disputed claims.
Tensions escalated further as members exchanged accusations during speeches, at times prompting lawmakers to move towards each other before colleagues intervened to prevent confrontation.
The debate also saw clashes between PTI and PML-N members, with protests erupting over critical remarks and prompting women parliamentarians to object to inappropriate language in the House.
Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah warned members that proceedings could be suspended if discipline was not maintained, as the session briefly descended into disorder.
The House was later adjourned until Thursday amid low attendance and continuing political friction over the federal budget.
