Sunni Ittehad Council protests suspension of legislators

The Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) recently organized a symbolic protest outside the provincial assembly in Lahore, known as the 'Awami Assembly'. This protest was a response to the suspension of assembly membership of 11 SIC legislators. The opposition leader opted to boycott assembly proceedings and standing committee meetings as a form of protest.

During the symbolic session, SIC members, including ticket holders who claimed victory as per Form 45, gathered to demand the reinstatement of their suspended legislators. Grievances against the chief minister and the assembly speaker were also voiced by the opposition.

The protest was meticulously planned, with the opposition setting up a tent equipped with fans, chairs, carpet, and a water cooler to combat the extreme heat. In contrast, the Punjab government deployed police personnel and an anti-riot squad to manage any potential disturbances.

Several resolutions were passed during the symbolic assembly, including one to allocate reserved seats for women to the Sunni Ittehad Council. The opposition leader stressed that the 'Awami Assembly' truly represented the voice of the people of Punjab.

In response to the protest, a provincial minister criticized the opposition, labeling them as the 'Fitnah Party' and accusing them of causing disruptions. She claimed that the protesters were not members of Tehreek-e-Insaaf but individuals involved in past violent incidents.

The minister highlighted previous instances of assembly membership suspensions and stressed the importance of civility and adherence to parliamentary traditions during protests and demonstrations.

The symbolic protest by the Sunni Ittehad Council outside the Punjab Assembly shed light on the ongoing tensions between the opposition and the ruling government. While the opposition sought the reinstatement of their suspended legislators, the government emphasized the need for peaceful protests and respect for parliamentary norms. The 'Awami Assembly' served as a platform for expressing grievances and advocating for the rights of the people of Punjab.