ISLAMABAD:
Tensions rose in the Senate on Friday when PTI senators staged a rowdy protest in the wake of the conviction of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case.
The uproar, led by Senator Shibli Faraz, paralyzed the House proceedings as opposition members gathered in front of the Speaker’s dais.
Opposition lawmakers chanted slogans such as “We do not accept pre-written decisions” as they denounced what they called a “politically motivated verdict” and demanded justice for the jailed party leader.
During question hour, Senator Shibli Faraz, who is also the leader of the opposition in the upper house, sought permission to address the chamber, but was denied by Senate Vice President Syedaal Khan, who insisted that the question time will be completed first.
The refusal further fueled tensions, and PTI senators tore copies of the session agenda in protest.
The unrest forced the vice president to suspend the session until January 20 (Monday).
Earlier, Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi revealed that three law enforcement personnel were martyred and 106 injured during the violent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf protests in Islamabad from November 24 to 26.
In a written response to Senator Quratulain Marri, the minister stated that according to reports from all police stations in the federal capital, no civilian casualties or injuries were recorded during the protests.
He further revealed that 17 criminal cases had been registered at various police stations in Islamabad against those who participated in the violent protests.
The Senate was also informed that 27 officials and officials of Pakistan Railways have been held responsible for the tragic Ghotki train accident that occurred on June 7, 2021.
In written reply to Senator Shahadat Awan’s question, the Railway Minister stated that disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the responsible officials as per applicable rules.
The action was taken following the submission of an inquiry report by a five-member committee headed by the federal government’s railway inspector.
The investigation revealed that the derailment of the 17-UP Millat Express, which led to the disaster, was caused by a broken railway joint between Daharki and Reti stations. The report attributed the failure to inadequate maintenance by personnel of the sectional permanent road.
