Opposition Protests in Sindh Assembly Over Denial of Speaking Time During Debate on Universities

Karachi: Heated scenes were witnessed in the Sindh Assembly on Monday as opposition members staged a protest after being denied permission to speak during a debate on universities, public transport, and other issues.

The assembly session, chaired by Speaker Awais Qadir Shah, began with prayers for those martyred in the recent Islamabad incident. This was followed by a question-and-answer session related to the Universities and Boards Department, during which opposition lawmakers raised slogans and protested over not being given the floor.

During the commotion, Rehana Laghari urged opposition members to allow the house to function, assuring them they would be given an opportunity to speak. Jamaat-e-Islami MPA Muhammad Farooq repeatedly demanded permission to speak, but was asked to wait until the question hour was completed. Similar assurances were given to other protesting members amid continued disruption.

Briefing the house, Minister Ismail Rahoo informed lawmakers that 10 new universities and 16 university campuses had been established in the province over the past 17 years. He acknowledged a shortage of buses for universities and campuses but said transport points operate from Korangi and Malir to Karachi University.

MPA Shariq Jamal criticized the poor condition of university buses, referring to them as “funeral buses.” In response, Minister Ismail Rahoo admitted that some buses were in poor condition, stating that 15 buses at Karachi University were currently non-functional, while others in service were in better condition.

The session also saw protests after Jamaat-e-Islami’s Muhammad Farooq was not allowed to raise a point of order.

Meanwhile, MPA Wajid Ali alleged on the floor of the house that he was arrested and tortured a day earlier, claiming that Korangi police took money from his pocket. He demanded the removal of the concerned SHO and swore before the interior minister that he was not involved in any criminal activity.

During the proceedings, Law Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar presented the audit report of the Sindh AIDS Control Program, which was subsequently referred to the Public Accounts Committee. He also tabled a report of the Council of Islamic Ideology in the assembly.

The Sindh Assembly session was later adjourned until 2:30 pm on Tuesday.