LAHORE: Tensions flared during a heated session of the Punjab Assembly on Monday when opposition lawmaker Khalid Nisar Dogar slapped ruling party member Hassan Riaz on the assembly floor.
The altercation reportedly started when Dogar asked Hassan Riaz to refrain from making sarcastic remarks during the session. According to eyewitnesses, the verbal exchange quickly escalated, culminating in Dogar slapping Riaz in front of the lawmakers.
Fellow assembly members quickly intervened to defuse the situation and restore peace. The session was adjourned for some time after the incident.
Punjab Assembly members condemned the PTI lawmaker’s violent behavior, saying such actions undermine the sanctity of the House. “We will not tolerate physical violence within this institution,” they said, announcing a review of the assembly’s code of conduct and possible disciplinary action against the parties involved.
This is not the first time that tensions have arisen in the Punjab Assembly amid deepening political polarization in the province.
Further action and any punitive action is expected to be announced in the coming days.
