Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Nabil Gabol issued on Wednesday a stern warning to Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, claiming that his party could bring down the government, as it has done in the past.
According to details, the confrontation occurred during a session of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior, where a heated exchange broke out between Talal Chaudhry and the PPP members over the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Amendment Bill. The disagreement led to a walkout by three PPP members — Shazia Marri, Agha Rafiullah and Nabeel Gabol.
Gabol asserted: "The two-thirds majority received in charity by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has made them arrogant and dismissive of the coalition partners."
While presenting the amendment bill, Shazia Marri highlighted the "lack of facilities" for disabled persons in CDA buildings, stating that legislation for inclusivity is a constitutional right.
She accused the government of obstructing this right through intimidation and announced a privilege motion against a legal affairs officer.
Responding to this, Chaudhry denied the allegations and claimed that it was the PPP representatives themselves who were issuing threats. He added that he was fully prepared to face any privilege motion.
Nabeel Gabol strongly criticised Chaudhry’s attitude, stating: "The conduct of the Minister of State — the way he was speaking and responding to our members — clearly reflects the PML-N’s mindset. They believe their simple majority, which they received as a handout, means they no longer need the PPP."
The session also addressed the issue of increased property transfer fees in Islamabad. Committee Chairman Raja Khurram Nawaz said that citizens are distressed due to the hike and are repeatedly reaching out to their representatives.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that the prime minister had already constituted a committee on the matter. He assured that any unilateral fee increase by the CDA would not be accepted under any circumstances.
