Islamabad: (RightNow) Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has objected to smoking in Parliament. He stated that open smoking in the Parliament building affects other members.

In the National Assembly, Ahsan Iqbal further mentioned that smoking impacts non-smoking members. He emphasized that non-smokers are not at fault.

During the session, Naeema Kishwar also objected, stating that smoking causes difficulties for women during prayers. She complained that it becomes hard to breathe during prayer.

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq responded to the members’ complaints, stating that a ban on smoking in government places already exists. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas within Parliament.

It is noteworthy that smoking issues in Parliament have been discussed before. The Speaker directed that smoking should only occur in designated areas in the future.