LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly session on its second day continued to be dominated by the fallout of recent scuffles and verbal exchanges between the government and opposition members, with both sides trading barbs over these incidents.

Deputy Opposition Leader Moin Qureshi demanded an investigation into the altercations involving opposition members in the media briefing hall. However, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman rejected the demand, accusing the opposition of trying to disrupt the assembly`s decorum.

Despite the ongoing friction, the provincial assembly passed resolutions commending the federal government for successful operations against `Fitna-alHindustan` in Mastung and the restoration of variousroutes of the Pakistan International Airline (PIA).

The assembly session, chaired by acting Speaker Zahir Iqbal Channar, began two and a half hours later than its scheduled time.

The previous day`s unfortunate incidents remained a centraltopicofthe debate.

Mr Qureshi labeled the previous day a `black day in the [country`s] parliamentary history,` condemning physical confrontation and the use of abusive language in the House. He alleged severe misconduct against the opposition members in the media hall, stating that the footage of the incident exists. He demanded the immediate suspension of treasury lawmaker Hassan Riaz.

In response, Mujtaba Shuja defended the decision to suspend an opposition member, stating that the opposition has made the assembly a joke and repeatedly violated its sanctity. He asserted that the opposition wouldno longer be permitted to disturb the atmosphere in the assembly.

Inside the assembly, bitter exchanges between the government and opposition members continued over the incident.

Later, resolutions presented by treasury members were passed by a majority vote. These included a resolution by Amjad Ali Javed against beggary, Uzma Butt`s resolution on the restoration of PIA`s international routes, and Rana Muhammad Arshad`s resolution acknowledging the successful operation against `Fitnaal-Hindustan` in Mastung district.

During the session, the Punjab Education Foundation Bill and two other private university bills were also passed by a majority vote.

Upon completion of the agenda, the Panel of Chairman adjourned the session until Wednesday afternoon.