ISLAMABAD: Chaos erupted in the National Assembly on Monday as opposition lawmakers protested the government’s Rs55 per litre hike in petrol and diesel, forcing the deputy speaker to bang the gavel and adjourn the house to avoid further disruption.
The disruption came immediately after the question hour. Opposition lawmakers sought the floor to address the sharp escalation in petroleum prices, which they termed a “petrol bomb” on the masses, but the deputy speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah, presiding over the session, refused to grant them the opportunity.
Opposition members, especially those belonging to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F), reacted by raising slogans against the government, denouncing the fuel hike as a heavy burden on ordinary citizens.
“The government has once again betrayed the people by imposing such an exorbitant increase in fuel prices. This decision will have far-reaching effects on the cost of living and transportation,” said Junaid Akbar Khan of PTI during the protest.
The parliamentary uproar continued until the deputy speaker adjourned the proceedings without taking up any further business.
Earlier, during question hour, Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, informed the House that special women facilitation desks have been introduced at Islamabad police stations, offering a secure and supportive environment through trained female staff and digital systems.
He added that joint patrolling by male and female officers and the maintenance of digital records for hostels, hotels, and guest houses via Safe City Islamabad software aim to strengthen inclusive and technology-driven policing.
He also informed the House on the expansion of a hospital primarily serving Capital Development Authority employees and their families, which now has 416 beds following the addition of 136 beds in 2022.
He stated that the hospital’s departments are fully functional, with only 79 positions, mostly for nurses and paramedical staff, remaining vacant.
About LG polls in capital, he clarified that the Interior Ministry has no direct role in holding or postponing elections, which fall under the purview of the legislature and the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry provided an update on Pakistani students in Iran, reporting that over 2,000 students have returned to Pakistan safely amid ongoing government monitoring.
He also assured the House that Pakistani citizens in Qatar are being assisted by fully operational embassies and consulates, with safe travel routes via Saudi Arabia recommended for those wishing to return home.
On media regulation, Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Daniyal Chaudhry, reaffirmed that the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) follows a three-tier mechanism to address violations.
Channels receiving show-cause notices may face penalties or directives to ensure compliance with the code of conduct. “The PEMRA actively monitors media content and takes action based on public complaints,” he said, emphasising that regulatory enforcement is systematic and structured.
Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis, Aun Chaudhry, highlighted that financial assistance is provided to the families of overseas Pakistanis in the event of death or disability.
He elaborated that a free ambulance service transports critically ill citizens and deceased Pakistanis from international airports to their hometowns, while funeral grants of Rs25,000 are provided to needy families.
He also noted that the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) has integrated its online complaint management system with the Pakistan Citizen Portal of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, ensuring prompt redressal of grievances.
He said the OPF has established 27 educational institutions nationwide, including in Azad Kashmir, and is planning a dedicated housing scheme for overseas Pakistanis on 640 kanals of land in Rawalpindi.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry introduced the Copyright (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was subsequently referred to the relevant standing committee for further deliberation.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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