The Punjab Assembly passed the Notaries Amendment Bill 2022 by a majority vote, igniting a heated debate between government and opposition members. The session saw intense arguments as both sides clashed over the bill’s provisions and proposed amendments.
During the discussion, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister strongly criticized the opposition’s suggested modifications, dismissing them as ineffective and unnecessary. His remarks provoked an immediate and forceful reaction from opposition lawmakers, who accused the government of disregarding their concerns and stifling debate.
As tensions escalated, opposition members staged protests and voiced their objections, prompting Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar to intervene. He cautioned the minister against making inflammatory statements, urging him to adopt a more measured approach to maintain decorum in the assembly.
Despite repeated calls for restraint, Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman remained firm in his stance, asserting that he was under no obligation to adhere to opposition demands. His unwavering position further fueled the dispute, with opposition members continuing to challenge the government’s handling of the legislative process.
In an effort to restore order, the deputy speaker advised the government to show greater flexibility and consideration for opposition viewpoints. To defuse the situation, he issued an apology on behalf of the minister and ordered that any offensive or objectionable remarks be expunged from the assembly’s official record.
The passage of the bill and the heated exchange highlighted the ongoing political divide within the Punjab Assembly, underscoring the challenges of consensus-building in a deeply polarized legislative environment.
