PA Speaker says ‘era of decisions made behind closed doors is over’
Opposition leader calls it as unnecessary expense and misuse of taxpayers’ money
Amjad Hadi Yousafzai
PESHAWAR: Despite being labeled a “public assembly,” public participation remained almost nonexistent, while road closures leading to the ground caused significant inconvenience for citizens. Workers and members of the public also staged protests and chanted slogans after being denied entry into the stadium.
In a historic first, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly session was held at the Peshawar Cricket Stadium instead of the traditional assembly hall. The government described it as an effort to bring governance closer to the people, while the opposition termed it a political show and a waste of public funds, announcing a complete boycott.
Prior to the session, arrangements similar to an assembly hall were set up inside the stadium, with tables, chairs, and microphones installed on the ground. Tight security measures were enforced, with thousands of police personnel deployed. The session began with a delay of nearly two hours under the chairmanship of Speaker Babar Saleem Swati.
In a meeting chaired by Opposition Leader Dr. Ibadullah Khan, all opposition parties unanimously decided to boycott the session. He argued that holding the session in a stadium despite the existence of an assembly building was an unnecessary expense and misuse of taxpayers’ money. He further alleged that the move was merely political showmanship and self-promotion, especially questionable during a smart lockdown.
On the other hand, Speaker Babar Saleem Swati defended the decision, stating that the era of decisions made behind closed doors was over and that the open-air session aimed to bridge the gap between the public and the assembly.
During the question hour, various issues related to health, irrigation, and livestock departments were discussed, with several queries referred to relevant committees. MPA Ihsanullah criticized the health department, saying that while the health card was a positive initiative, it had become plagued by corruption.
PPP Parliamentary Leader Ahmad Kundi strongly criticized the government, accusing it of ignoring key provincial issues and turning the assembly into a “bazaar of resolutions.” In a sarcastic remark, he told the Speaker, “At times, you act like a monarch.”
Several resolutions were passed by majority vote, including those calling for early hearings of cases involving the PTI founder and his wife, provision of medical facilities, and removal of restrictions on their meetings. Some opposition members, particularly from the PPP, opposed these resolutions.
Additionally, resolutions condemning alleged aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran, rising fuel prices, and calling for resolution of Pak-Afghan tensions through dialogue were also approved.
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, in his address said he believed in democracy and described himself as a democratic person. He claimed he had been denied permission to meet his leader and had written letters to top officials in this regard. He also stated that the PTI founder and his wife were being denied basic rights and adequate medical care.
Protests were also witnessed inside and outside the stadium, where workers raised slogans and questioned how it could be called a “public assembly” if the public itself was not allowed inside.
Political observers believe the session reflects the government’s attempt at public outreach, but the opposition’s boycott has intensified its political controversy and significance.
Leave a Reply