PA condemns Quetta blast

Demands exemplary punishment to perpetrators, pays tribute to Edhi

LAHORE

Punjab Assembly on Monday unanimously condemned the Quetta civil hospital blast while terming it a national tragedy besides demanding exemplary punishment for the perpetrators and facilitators of such barbaric act.

The resolution moved by Opposition Leader Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed was unanimously passed by the House which also expressed complete solidarity with Pakistan armed forces engaged in operation Zarb-e-Azb.

The House passed another resolution while expressing condolences over the death of philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi. The resolution was moved by Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan and it stated that Maulana Abdul Sattar Edhi rendered remarkable services for humanity and his contribution would be remembered in history.

Besides, Opposition led by Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed staged a walkout in protest against the target killings of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers, including Tanvir Ahmed and a lawyer Nasir Turabi. The Opposition leader protested strongly the recent killings of two political workers within two days while terming it a clear reflection of the way the government was dealing with opponents. Later, Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed also protested the attitude of Punjab Assembly Speaker Rana Mohammad Iqbal Khan over his remarks after an Opposition member pointed out quorum. Arif Abbasi, a PTI MPA elected from Rawalpindi during the proceedings pointed out quorum which displeased the Speaker. The treasury met quorum and proceedings were resumed but the Opposition leader stated it was constitutional right of every member to point out quorum whenever he felt necessary and stated it wasn’t fair to criticise this move. The Speaker clarified that he didn’t say anything which tantamount to oppose this right.

Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan stated that it was decided unanimously in the Business Advisory Committee meeting that two resolutions would be adopted and quorum wouldn’t be pointed out during the proceedings.

Earlier, responding to a call attention notice related with the kidnapping and killing of a minor in the area of Badami Bagh, Lahore, the law minister stated that body of the boy was found and police had arrested suspects. The call attention notice was moved by Ahmed Shah Khagga.

The PA session on Monday held question hour session regarding Social Welfare, Bait-ul-Maal, Planning and Development.

Meanwhile, an adjournment motion moved by MPA Ali Raza Dareshak regarding the non-representation of annual audit report of Punjab Procurement and Regulatory Authority was referred to the committee.