Opposition, government members raise concern over private medical college fees, need for unity in Balochistan
ISLAMABAD:
The Senate meeting on Friday addressed several national issues, including PTI founder Imran Khan’s health, rising tuition fees in private medical schools, agrarian 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 raised concern over PTI founder Imran Khan’s deteriorating health and acknowledged governance shortcomings in the country.
“The justice system in the country has collapsed,” Swati said, urging politicians to adopt an attitude of compassion and reconciliation. He emphasized that Imran Khan’s health is critical and called for prompt medical treatment.
Read: PTI, TTAP ‘will not compromise’ on Imran’s health
MWM chief and leader of the opposition Allama Raja Nasir Abbas reiterated concerns over Imran Khan’s condition and called for a parliamentary delegation to be allowed to visit him in prison and for him to be given access to doctors.
At the February 8 protest, Abbas said it would be peaceful and that participation was voluntary.
Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah responded and said that Imran Khan is receiving medical treatment in accordance with the law. He added: “If we are to move forward, we should speak with kindness,” stressing that the government is following legal procedures to provide treatment.
Private medical college fees
Senator Rubina Qaimkhani raised concern over rising tuition fees in private medical colleges and criticized the high fees charged to students.
“Private medical schools do not meet the standards and charge between 25 lakh and 30 lakh rupees in fees,” Qaimkhani said. She singled out the Aga Khan University Medical College and noted that its tuition is approaching 1 crore rupees.
Senator Azam Swati echoed concerns about the financial burden on students and families. “Every medical college exploits students,” he said, calling for stricter regulation of fees. The health minister noted that a fee benchmark of 18 lakh rupees had been established for private medical schools.
The President, Saleem Mandviwalla, referred the matter to the relevant Senate Committee for further review.
Agriculture’s initiatives and concerns
Health Minister Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath said improving seed quality for wheat and other cereals is a government priority. “In the next two to three years, we will have improved seeds for wheat and other cereals,” he said.
Bharath highlighted the government’s focus on water conservation and noted the development of water-efficient technologies to address growing scarcity. He added that Punjab has designated green zones to protect agricultural land where residential colonies are prohibited.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s status as the world’s ninth largest rice producer as a remarkable achievement in agriculture.
Terrorism and national security
Senator Aimal Wali Khan called for a joint parliamentary session to address the escalating violence and its consequences. “There can be no justification for terrorism,” he said, calling for the prime minister and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister to be summoned to discuss solutions.
Read more: 24 terrorists killed in two separate IBOs in KP: ISPR
Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry defended existing security measures, including border checkpoints. “Checkpoints at the borders are necessary,” he said. Senator Asad Qasim opposed and said people face humiliation and long queues at Rangers checkpoints in Sindh and Balochistan, especially at Hub Chowki.
Chaudhry assured the Senate that the measures comply with national security requirements.
Baloch-Pashtun political entity in Balochistan
Senator Dinesh Kumar spoke about the political situation of Balochistan and highlighted the historical and cultural significance of festivals like Basant. He also applauded Maryam Nawaz’s remarks promoting the Punjabi language, calling it “a very sweet language.”
Read also: Security forces end 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. “Baloch and Pashtun are brothers,” he said.
The Senate session was suspended and will resume on Monday at 4 p.m.
