A tumultuous scene unfolded in the Senate on Monday as members of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanded the immediate release of their party chairman, Imran Khan, who marked one year behind bars on Aug 5. The commotion escalated with chants and slogans from both sides of the aisle, overshadowing the proceedings of the house.
The Leader of Opposition, Shibli Faraz, criticized what he deemed as the “illegal” detention of Mr Khan while addressing a resolution condemning India’s actions in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The clamour ultimately forced Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani to adjourn the session without addressing most of the scheduled agenda items.
Amidst Mr Faraz’s impassioned speech, PTI senators, adorned with black armbands and brandishing portraits of Mr Khan, vociferously demanded his release and proclaimed slogans such as ‘release Imran Khan,’ ‘deliver justice,’ ‘mandate thieves,’ and ‘Prime Minister Imran Khan’. In response, lawmakers from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) rose and chanted ‘Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’ while accusing the PTI leader of corruption.
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Although objections were raised about discussing matters unrelated to the resolution, Chairman Gilani permitted the opposition leader to proceed. Mr. Faraz passionately condemned Mr. Khan’s alleged false cases and censured the government’s economic policies, denouncing them as inefficient and corrupt. He also rebutted the slogans for ‘Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif,’ stating that the former PM had gone into hiding after advocating for ‘vote ko izzat do.’
Prior to the uproar, the house unanimously passed a resolution urging India to release Kashmiri political prisoners, cease human rights violations, and implement UNSC resolutions for a fair plebiscite. Additionally, another resolution expressing sorrow over the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was also approved. The Senate vehemently condemned Israeli aggression in Beirut, as well as the loss of innocent lives in Palestine, calling for worldwide solidarity against Israel’s aggressive agenda. PPP’s parliamentary leader, Sherry Rehman, passionately appealed for global intervention to halt the atrocities in occupied Palestine and Kashmir, highlighting the poignant plight of women and children.
