National Assembly drama: Tariq Cheema issues apology to Zartaj Gul

ISLAMABAD: In a recent session of the National Assembly (NA), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) member Tariq Bashir Cheema issued an apology to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Zartaj Gul following a heated altercation between the two.

The PML-Q parliamentarian was in middle of his speech when Zartaj Gul interrupted him. She suggested he address the Bahawalpur University case instead.

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Following the interruption, Tariq Cheema approached the PTI leader and allegedly swore insults at Zartaj Gul. This led to protests from PTI and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) parliamentarians.

Sher Afzal Marwat condemned the incident as he considered it “unethical” and even ‘criminal’. Meanwhile, Noor Alam Khan expressed regret over such behaviour in the NA.

Eventually, Cheema offered an “unconditional” apology to Zartaj Gul that she accepted after consulting with senior party members.

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The NA Speaker had to step in to resolve the matter, as Cheema expressed ‘regret’ over his words.