Punjab Assembly Brawl Deepens Divide Between Lawmakers

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A violent clash broke out in the Punjab Assembly on July 29, 2025, when opposition Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Khalid Nisar Dogar allegedly slapped treasury MPA Hassan Riaz during a heated debate. The altercation, which reportedly stemmed from provocative remarks, quickly escalated into a broader scuffle between lawmakers. According to The Express Tribune and Dawn, the incident occurred during discussions over the recent sentencing of opposition leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar. Acting Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channer responded by suspending Dogar and another opposition MPA, Sheikh Imtiaz, for 15 sittings due to their disruptive conduct.

Tensions intensified when unidentified individuals, alleged to be private guards linked to treasury lawmakers, reportedly entered the media gallery and physically confronted opposition MPAs. Deputy Opposition Leader Muhammad Moeenuddin Riaz condemned the incident and demanded the suspension of Hassan Riaz, along with the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the individuals involved. He also alleged the use of abusive language and called for accountability. Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman acknowledged the need to investigate the media gallery events but argued that opposition actions mirrored the May 9, 2023, riots and warranted reciprocal legal measures.

The assembly session was already under strain following the disqualification of three Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on July 28, 2025. These disqualified lawmakers, including Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, faced disqualification under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution after convictions in May 9 cases. Emotions ran high as PTI Chief Whip Rana Shahbaz Ahmad protested what he described as false terrorism charges by holding a copy of the Holy Quran during the proceedings. Acting Speaker Channer briefly adjourned the session to restore order before resuming legislative business, including the passage of resolutions such as one honoring Punjabi poet Tajamal Kaleem.

This latest confrontation highlights a growing crisis in parliamentary conduct and deepening political polarization in Punjab. Footage of the incident circulated widely, drawing public scrutiny and raising concerns about the deterioration of decorum within legislative institutions. The events underscore ongoing political volatility and have sparked renewed debate over the need for reforms to uphold democratic standards within provincial assemblies.