SIC members call for urgent PA session to tackle critical issues

Hassan Naqvi

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly members belonging to Pakistan Tehreek-Insaf (PTI) backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) on Monday in a requisition addressed to the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab Malik Ahmed Khan have requested the summoning of a Punjab Assembly Session to address pressing concerns facing the province.

Citing constitutional provisions under Article 54(3) read with Article 127 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973, the members have urged for immediate action to convene the session in the Assembly Chambers, Lahore.

The issues slated for discussion encompass the following urgent matters:

Deteriorating Law and Order:

The SIC members express grave concerns over the deteriorating situation of law and order prevailing across the province of Punjab.

“Incidents of violence and unrest have escalated, warranting urgent attention from the legislative body,” the requisition read.

Price Hike:

They stated that the rampant escalation in prices of essential commodities has sparked distress among the populace. The SIC members highlight the need to address this issue to alleviate the burden on the citizens.

Political Instability: The SIC members claimed that the aftermath of the General Elections held on 8th February 2024 has resulted in a state of political instability.

The members underscore the necessity of deliberating on measures to address and mitigate the prevailing political uncertainty.

The requisition was accompanied by a list containing the names and signatures of the members of the Punjab Assembly, emphasizing the collective urgency and importance attached to the proposed session.

Speaking to The Frontier Post (TFP), SIC legislator Nadia Farooq Khair said that The call for summoning the Punjab Assembly Session reflects the commitment of elected representatives to address critical challenges confronting the province, with a focus on fostering stability, prosperity, and well-being for the people of Punjab.

Agreeing with her, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Amina Hassan Sheikh told TFP that after taking oath the ultimate aim of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is to address the issues faced by common people be it price hike, better health facilities etc.

“If the opposition members’ demand for summoning the PA session is justified and also fulfills the constitutional requirements then the PA Speaker must summon the session at the earliest,” she concluded.

Resolution submitted expressing concern over rise in pneumonia cases

Earlier on Monday, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) legislator Hina Parvez Butt also submitted a resolution in the Punjab assembly expressing concern over the escalating cases of pneumonia in Punjab.

“The House voiced apprehensions over the rapid increase in pneumonia cases among children in the province, with an additional five children succumbing to pneumonia in Punjab, bringing the total to 464 cases reported in the past 24 hours, including 98 new cases in Lahore alone,” the resolution read.

She maintained that Punjab has witnessed 456 deaths from pneumonia last year, with 36,000 cases reported. In Lahore, 73 deaths and 8085 cases have been reported during the same period.

The resolution calls for immediate measures on an emergency basis to prevent children from falling victim to pneumonia.

“The House urges for a government-led campaign to address this issue at the official level,” the resolution concluded.