What is the story about?
What began as a routine parliamentary moment quickly descended into farce inside Pakistan’s National Assembly. During proceedings, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq posed what should have been a straightforward question: whose money had been found? Instead of a clear answer, the chamber erupted into an unexpected spectacle. Around 10 to 15 members of the National Assembly raised their hands at once, as if taking part in a school roll call rather than responding to a query about misplaced cash, leaving viewers both amused and bewildered.
The Speaker, visibly surprised, remarked that the amount was “not that big”, yet several members appeared eager to claim it.
A video of the moment soon surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) and spread rapidly across platforms. The visuals were appearing to compete over a small sum of money. For a public already sceptical about political accountability, the clip quickly became symbolic.
While some users attempted to defend the lawmakers, suggesting the gestures were made in jest, the broader reaction online was sharply critical. One user commented, “The system’s rotten eggs,” while another wrote, “These are the characters sitting in the assembly. All frauds and corrupt. Pakistan can never prosper while these characterless are occupying the top slots.”
The matter itself was later resolved when PTI leader Muhammad Iqbal Afridi was identified as the rightful owner of the money, according to Aaj TV. He subsequently collected the cash from the Assembly office, bringing an administrative end to the issue.
Digitally, however, the episode continued to circulate, adding to a long list of instances where Pakistan’s parliament has been mocked online. In the past, lawmakers have faced ridicule for sleeping during sessions, verbal slip-ups, heated arguments and moments of apparent indiscipline, each reinforcing public cynicism about parliamentary conduct.
One user wrote, "people expect them to set a good governance example, but all in vain."
The Speaker, visibly surprised, remarked that the amount was “not that big”, yet several members appeared eager to claim it.
A video of the moment soon surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) and spread rapidly across platforms. The visuals were appearing to compete over a small sum of money. For a public already sceptical about political accountability, the clip quickly became symbolic.
Pak National Assembly Speaker asks whose money is lost and 10 to 15 members of Pakistan parliament raise their hands together. He even says the amount is not that big yet everyone wants to claim it. pic.twitter.com/rHUCOSDLcB
— The Story Teller (@IamTheStory__) December 9, 2025
While some users attempted to defend the lawmakers, suggesting the gestures were made in jest, the broader reaction online was sharply critical. One user commented, “The system’s rotten eggs,” while another wrote, “These are the characters sitting in the assembly. All frauds and corrupt. Pakistan can never prosper while these characterless are occupying the top slots.”
The matter itself was later resolved when PTI leader Muhammad Iqbal Afridi was identified as the rightful owner of the money, according to Aaj TV. He subsequently collected the cash from the Assembly office, bringing an administrative end to the issue.
Digitally, however, the episode continued to circulate, adding to a long list of instances where Pakistan’s parliament has been mocked online. In the past, lawmakers have faced ridicule for sleeping during sessions, verbal slip-ups, heated arguments and moments of apparent indiscipline, each reinforcing public cynicism about parliamentary conduct.
One user wrote, "people expect them to set a good governance example, but all in vain."
