“If we tolerate it and do not raise our voice against this, it will soon become the norm”
ISLAMABAD:
PPP Senator Palwasha Khan has moved a privilege motion in a Senate committee against Communications Minister Aleem Khan for conduct “highly unbecoming” of a public servant.
Last week, a seemingly routine question about the performance of the Ministry of Communications turned into a heated debate during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee, resulting in a verbal fight between Aleem and Palwasha.
The exchange, which quickly went viral on social media, unfolded when Senator Palwasha questioned the federal minister on the ministry’s performance and a specific road project.
Aleem Khan reacted angrily to the question, accusing Senator Palwasha Khan of aligning himself with dishonest people.
During a press conference in the federal capital on Tuesday, Senator Palwasha, along with other party members, condemned the behavior of the Communications Minister.
He stressed that this was not a personal issue, but rather the collective dignity of parliament, and that silence on the matter would not be appropriate.
“If we tolerate it and don’t raise our voice against it, it will soon become the norm.” He clarified that he does not blame anyone.
“A few months ago I submitted a written question under the rights granted to legislators. However, the responsible officials never responded, so this question was subsequently added to the agenda of the Senate Permanent Committee.”
Palwasha maintained that he raised an issue about a road built by the National Highways Authority and funded by taxpayers’ money. “I asked if it was built for public benefit or to give an advantage to a specific society.”
“Raising questions about the use of public resources is a fundamental duty of legislators,” he added. “Time will decide who was to blame and who was subjected to injustice,” the senator said.
