Sobia Shahid Incident: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Assembly witnessed an unfortunate incident on February 28, 2024, involving Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA), Sobia Shahid. The assembly session descended into chaos as unruly PTI workers and party-backed lawmakers created a riot-like situation.
As the commotion escalated, MPA Sobia Shahid stood up from her seat, raising a watch over her head while making rounds on the floor of the house. This act was an apparent reference to the Toshakhana case against PTI founder chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi, both of whom were convicted and are now serving their sentences.
This act did not sit well with the charged PTI workers who targeted Sobia Shahid by throwing objects at her. An empty water bottle, a shoe, a ballpoint pen, and a lota were thrown at the PML-N lawmaker. Some of the PTI-backed lawmakers also made their way in front of the speaker’s dais and waved placards with pro-Imran slogans inscribed on them.
The incident has sparked a wave of criticism and concern over the decorum and conduct within the assembly. The assembly, a place for discourse and decision-making, was turned into a battlefield, undermining the sanctity of the institution. It raises questions about the respect for opposition voices and the ability to engage in constructive debate.
The incident involving Sobia Shahid is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by women in politics. Despite the progress made, women in politics continue to face harassment and intimidation. This incident underscores the need for measures to ensure the safety and respect of all members in the assembly, regardless of their political affiliation.
In conclusion, the incident in the KPK Assembly involving Sobia Shahid is a reflection of the larger issues plaguing political discourse in Pakistan. It calls for introspection and reform to uphold the principles of respect, decorum, and constructive debate in the assembly. The incident serves as a reminder that the path to a more inclusive and respectful political environment is still fraught with challenges.
