The opposition lawmakers in the Punjab Assembly staged a protest and boycotted on Friday’s session in response to the alleged harassment and arrests of PTI leaders, including Aun Abbas Bappi.

They demanded the immediate release of all detained individuals, calling the charges against them politically motivated.

As the assembly proceedings began—delayed by over an hour—Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan assigned provincial Law Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bherth and Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique the task of persuading opposition members to return to the House.

However, opposition lawmakers entered the assembly hall carrying placards and chanting slogans in favor of PTI chairman Imran Khan. They called for the restoration of justice and democratic rights, condemning what they described as unjust incarcerations.

In response, Speaker Khan acknowledged their right to protest but asked them to lower their placards, stating that it had been agreed upon that no banners or placards would be brought into the session. The opposition, however, refused to comply and continued chanting slogans.

The protest ultimately led to their boycott of the session. Irrigation Concerns Raised in Assembly

During the session, lawmakers raised concerns about the irrigation system, prompting a response from Provincial Irrigation Minister Kazim Ali Pirzada.

He assured the House that efforts were underway to revamp the irrigation system and that significant improvements would be visible by 2025.

Speaker Khan emphasised that farmers had been complaining about inadequate water supply for crops, calling it a critical issue requiring urgent attention.