Opposition, govt members express concern over private medical college fees, need for unity in Balochistan
ISLAMABAD:
Friday’s Senate session addressed several national issues, including the health of PTI founder Imran Khan, increase in tuition fees in private medical colleges, agricultural reforms and the political situation in Balochistan. Lawmakers also discussed national security, including terrorism and border management.
PTI founder’s health and February 8 protest
Senator Azam Swati expressed concern over the deteriorating health of PTI founder Imran Khan and acknowledged governance deficiencies in the country.
“The justice system in the country has collapsed,” Swati said, urging policymakers to adopt a stance of compassion and reconciliation. He stressed that Imran Khan’s health is critical and called for quick medical treatment.
Read: PTI and TTAP ‘will not compromise’ Imran’s health
MWM chief and opposition leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas echoed concerns about Imran Khan’s condition and urged that a parliamentary delegation be allowed to visit him in prison and that he be granted access to medical professionals.
Regarding the February 8 protest, Abbas said it would be peaceful and participation was voluntary.
Prime Minister’s Advisor Rana Sanaullah responded by saying that Imran Khan is receiving medical care in accordance with the law. He added: “If we want to move forward, we must speak kindly” and stressed that the government adheres to legal procedures when providing treatment.
Private Medical School Fees
Senator Rubina Qaimkhani expressed concern over the increase in tuition fees in private medical colleges and criticized the high charges imposed on students.
“Private medical colleges do not meet the standards and charge Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh in fees,” Qaimkhani said. He singled out the Aga Khan University Faculty of Medicine and noted that its tuition fee is close to Rs 1 million.
Senator Azam Swati echoed concerns about the financial burden on students and families. “All medical schools are exploiting students,” he said, urging stricter regulation of fees. The Minister of State for Health noted that a benchmark fee of Rs 18 lakh had been set for private medical colleges.
Chairman Saleem Mandviwalla referred the matter to the relevant committee of the Senate for further review.
Agricultural initiatives and concerns
Minister of State for Health Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath said improving the quality of seeds of wheat and other cereals is a priority of the government. “In the next two or three years we will have improved wheat and other cereal seeds,” he said.
Bharath highlighted the government’s focus on water conservation and highlighted the development of water-efficient technologies to address the growing shortage. He added that Punjab has designated green zones to protect farmlands, where residential colonies are prohibited.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s status as the world’s ninth largest rice producer as a notable achievement in agriculture.
Terrorism and national security
Senator Aimal Wali Khan called for a joint parliamentary session to address the escalating violence and its effects. “There can be no justification for terrorism,” he said, urging that the Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa be summoned to discuss solutions.
Read more: 24 terrorists killed in two separate IBOs in KP: ISPR
Minister of State for Home Affairs Talal Chaudhry defended existing security measures, including border checkpoints. “Border checkpoints are necessary,” he said. Senator Asad Qasim responded by saying that people are facing humiliation and long queues at Ranger check posts in Sindh and Balochistan, particularly at Hub Chowki.
Chaudhry assured the Senate that the measures meet national security requirements.
Baloch-Pashtun political unity in Balochistan
Senator Dinesh Kumar spoke about the political situation in Balochistan and highlighted the historical and cultural importance of festivals like Basant. He also welcomed Maryam Nawaz’s comments on promoting the Punjabi language, calling it “a very sweet language”.
Also read: Security forces conclude operations after terror attacks in Balochistan
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Balochistan President Maulana Abdul Wasay highlighted the political discourse between Baloch and Pashtun communities and called for continued cooperation. “The Baloch and the Pashtun are brothers,” he said.
The Senate session was suspended and will resume on Monday at four in the afternoon.
