Journalists described as ‘sold-out media’: Reporters boycott Punjab PA proceedings

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly Parliamentary Reporters Press Gallery on Monday has boycotted the proceedings of the House after opposition member Colonel Shoaib Amir (redt) referred to journalists as sold-out media.

On this occasion, intense sloganeering also took place in the Punjab Assembly Parliamentary Reporters Press Gallery, which created a tense atmosphere.

Panel of Chairperson Samiullah Khan, in an attempt to control the situation, specially sent government member Amjad Ali Javed and opposition member Rana Shahbaz to the gallery to persuade the Press Gallery Committee so that matters could be improved.

The government faced defeat once again in the Punjab Assembly when the session had to be adjourned due to lack of quorum. Opposition members in the House pointed out the shortage of quorum, upon which Panel of Chairperson Samiullah Khan announced the adjournment of the session until eleven o’clock on Tuesday morning in the absence of complete quorum. This session was formally adjourned by Panel of Chairperson Samiullah Khan, which clearly revealed the weak position of the government.

This session of the Punjab Assembly commenced after a lengthy delay of two hours and four minutes, which was presided over by Panel of Chairperson Samiullah Khan. The reasons for the delay in the session were not clarified, however, the low number of members in the House and other administrative matters are being considered as the primary reasons for this.

While speaking in the House, Colonel Shoaib Amir (retd) said that the treatment meted out to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from the Assembly gate to the Assembly hall was highly condemnable and regrettable. He alleged that so-called and sold-out journalists did not treat the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa well and he had to face unnecessary difficulties. Shoaib said that for the first time, such difficulties were encountered in coming from the Assembly building to the lobby, which should not have happened with a provincial head. He emphasized that such treatment with guests cannot be justified under any circumstances.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025