LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Wednesday witnessed another contentious session thatculminated in the suspension of one more member of the opposition for 15 sittings.

Acting Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channer announced the suspension of opposition member Ejaz Shafi, citing Shafi`s use of `unparliamentary and indecent language` in the House. This marks the latest in a series of suspensions targeting opposition members, further escalating tensions within the provincial legislature.

Shafi, upon his suspension, vehemently denied the charges, stating, `My words were not unparliamentary or undemocratic.

Talking to the media, he claimed his suspension was a targeted move, referencing a previous statement he made regarding a ticket allocation, where he referred to a female individual respectfully as `our sister`.`Calling her `sister` is neither illegal nor unparliamentary,` Shafi asserted. `They cannot suppress our voice by suspending us. This decision regarding my suspension is coming from elsewhere; the Constitution is being dictated,` he alleged. He also warned that `the times are changing, and a public government is coming`.

Earlier, two members Khalid Nisar Dogar and Imtiaz Sheikh were suspended for 15 sittings. Dogar was suspended for attacking treasury MPA Hassaan Riaz and Sheikh for challenging the authority of the acting speaker.

The session, as has become customary, was marked by heated exchanges of allegations and taunts between the government and opposition benches.

Deputy Opposition Leader Moeen Riaz Qureshi voiced concerns over alleged harassment and raids on the homes of the PTI workers and MPAs ahead of a protest planned by the party for Aug 5.

`Peaceful protest is everyone`s right,` Qureshi stated, alleging, `For two days, the police have beenharassing our workers. Their homes are being raided, and property is being vandalised.` He urged the `honourable minister` to take notice and criticised the lack of action on his request to address these concerns.

In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman stated, `It is not within my knowledge that their homes are being raided.` He assured the assembly he would take up the matter with the police and home department, adding, `Indeed, peaceful protest is everyone`s right. If they want, we will also stand behind them.

Shafi outlined the demands in a letter submitted by the opposition to the deputy speaker, saying FIRs should be registered against those who attacked opposition MPAs outside the House; strict action should be taken against the chief security officer; the MPAs whose `thugs` were involved in the incident should be banned from joining the House proceedings. If the Speaker fails to take action, the deputy speaker will be held responsible, he cautioned. Staff Reporter