Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar disclosed a stunning Rs 70 million offer he received to litigate against a high-profile political personality during a tumultuous National Assembly session on Tuesday. Tarar stated he refused the lucrative proposition. The assembly, presided over by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, witnessed heated debates and sharp exchanges between the government and opposition. Opposition MNA Sardar Latif Khosa condemned the 26th constitutional amendment, arguing that it diminished the authority of both Parliament and the judiciary. He also protested against increased legal costs and alleged that politicians and activists were being prosecuted on trumped-up accusations.

Minister Tarar denied government involvement in legal proceedings related to the PTI and clarified that court fee schedules are under the Supreme Court’s purview. He retorted to Khosa, suggesting that Khosa himself commands substantial legal fees, before revealing the Rs 70 million proposal he declined on ethical grounds. Opposition representative Asad Qaiser requested the right to challenge military court verdicts in high courts and demanded his proposed legislation be added to the assembly’s agenda. The Speaker promised to consider it the following week.

MNA Iqbal Afridi vehemently protested the detention of 10 legislators from the Assembly grounds, labeling it a serious affront to Parliament. He cautioned that those accountable would face consequences if the PTI regained power. Speaker Sadiq acknowledged the transient nature of his role and urged members to refrain from politicizing the Speakership. MNA Shahid Khattak strongly opposed any further armed actions in tribal regions, advocating for peace and an end to the burden on tribal communities. The Speaker summoned Interior State Minister Talal Chaudhry to address these apprehensions.

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, responding to a query on delayed employee payments, confirmed that salaries and pensions were being disbursed promptly. He stated Rs 12.5 billion in arrears were pending, with active measures being taken to settle them as Railways earnings improve. The Minorities Commission Bill triggered another fiery exchange. PTI’s Ali Muhammad Khan appealed to the President to withhold assent until religious factions and the opposition’s concerns were addressed. He suggested the bill could dilute laws concerning blasphemy and Qadianism. Minister Tarar countered that the legislation lacked punitive authority and did not supersede blasphemy regulations. He offered to engage with religious groups and the opposition to resolve their issues.

PTI MNA Aamir Dogar denounced the restricted access of five of their MNAs to incarcerated party leader Imran Khan as a violation of privilege. He demanded action from the Speaker, threatening a boycott. Speaker Sadiq advised patience and discussion, citing precedent from India’s handling of Rahul Gandhi’s arrest. PPP’s Shahida Rehmani introduced a bill to amend digital media regulations to control indecency, which was referred to the appropriate standing committee. Other bills, including amendments to the Lawyers Bar Council and Guardianship laws, were also introduced and sent to committees.

Later, PTI members demonstrated at the Parliament entrance, voicing support for party figures convicted in May 9 incidents and demanding judicial freedom and constitutional responsibility.