Islamabad – A special condolence sitting of the National Assembly on Monday, convened to honour the late MNA and former Punjab Governor Mian Muhammad Azhar, was overshadowed by political acrimony as opposition and treasury benches traded veiled jabs amidst an otherwise solemn occasion.
While members initially came together in a rare show of unity to offer Fateha and pay tribute to the veteran politician, the session quickly devolved into political point-scoring. PTI’s Ali Muhammad Khan, in an emotionally charged speech, praised Mian Azhar’s services but also used the platform to reaffirm his party’s ongoing political struggle.
“Even while we pay tribute, we must continue our democratic fight. The PTI will not hold back from standing with the people,” he declared during his address, referring to his party’s planned protest campaigns.
His remarks drew disapproval from several members of the treasury benches, who urged that the platform not be politicized. The disagreement turned the memorial sitting into an arena for renewed verbal skirmishes between government and opposition lawmakers.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq attempted to steer the session back toward its original intent, urging members to maintain decorum and focus on paying respects to the departed. However, the tone had already been set, revealing once again the deep political fault lines in the lower house of parliament.
Mian Muhammad Azhar, a senior politician who once served as Punjab’s Governor and remained an influential figure in national politics, passed away recently at the age of 82. His contributions to Pakistan’s political landscape were acknowledged by members from all parties.
Despite the tensions, tributes poured in highlighting his dedication to public service, his role in founding the Pakistan Muslim League–Q, and later joining PTI to support democratic continuity.
The incident has sparked criticism from civil society, with observers lamenting how even moments of national reflection and unity are increasingly being consumed by partisan politics.
This article is published by PakTribune. All rights reserved.