ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday strongly protested and walked out of the Upper House of the Parliament over what it called denial of meetings of the incarcerated PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan with his family members and aides.
Shortly after the Senate proceedings began, PTI Parliamentary Leader in the Senate Barrister Ali Zafar took up this issue.
Presiding over the session, Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani responded, “I have heard it all— I have spoken also— I’ll be leaving immediately after the question hour— If you can meet me, I’ll discuss it with you,” he told Zafar.
“The tension level has increased so much. If we don’t discuss this matter right here, then there would be an explosion,” replied the PTI parliamentary leader.
“Let the law minister come, he will give a reply,” the Senate Chairman said.
The PTI parliamentary leader said they would not be part of the Senate session till the response (from the law minister is received.)
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that Law Minister Azam Tarar had gone to Lahore due to a death in his family, and was unlikely to attend the Senate meeting
The opposition side demanded that the Chairman Senate should play his role in ensuring Khan’s meetings with his family members, legal and political aides.
Gilani said he spoke to the Speaker of the National Assembly and that he would hold a meeting with him to discuss this issue.
The parliamentary affairs minister dismissed as rumours the news on social media regarding the life and health of ex-PM Khan. He said that he is in good health.
On the meeting issue, Minister Chaudhry said that he would get an update from the law minister and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and inform the house accordingly.
PTI’s Zeeshan Khanzada said they would not allow the Senate meetings to continue till Khan is allowed to hold meetings with his family members and aides.
“You cannot treat us like this -this is wrong,” the chairman Senate responded.
The opposition side pointed out the quorum, which was found to be lacking after the opposition lawmakers walked out. Gilani adjourned the session for half an hour.
After the meeting resumed, Shahadat Awan from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) presided over the proceedings.
PPP Chief Whip in the Senate, Saleem Mandviwalla moved the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals (Amendment) Bill, 2025.Passed by the Senate, but not by the NA within the stipulated 90-day period, this bill was referred to the Parliament’s joint sitting.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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