PESHAWAR: The women legislators of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly staged a walkout Friday when Deputy Speaker Khushdil Khan snubbed a ruling party female member to avoid cross talk during the proceeding, saying he could exercise his powers to send her out of the house.
The protest was triggered after Khushdil used harsh words while asking Munawar Sultana of Awami National Party (ANP) to follow the rules of the house. “I will kick you out; don’t make the house the jock,” he remarked after which the female members walked out in protest.
Similarly, the media persons also walked out from the press gallery describing the comments of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s Munawar Khan against the parliamentary practice.
Israrullah Gandapur on a point of order referred to an Urdu newspaper, saying it was using a particular style and insulting words about the assembly. “I want to move a privilege motion to know whether it is the policy of the newspaper or the style of the reporter.” On this, Munawar joined discussion and resorted to unethical language after which journalists decided to boycott the proceedings.
Senior Minister Bashir Ahmad Bilour and Minister for Elementary Education Sardar Hussain Babak intervened and tried to calm down the situation but the reporters said the lawmaker would have to tender apology. Later, Munawar excused on which they returned to the press gallery. Meanwhile, the deputy speaker permitted Gandapur to submit a privilege motion against the newspaper concerned. When the issue of the Annual Development Program (ADP) was discussed, Bashir Bilour said the funds would be restored if enough money was available after fulfilling the needs of the flood victims.
