ISLAMABAD:
Tensions were high in the Senate on Friday as PTI senators staged a vociferous 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 riot, led by Senator Shibli Faraz, brought Parliament proceedings to a screeching halt as opposition members gathered in front of the Speaker’s podium.
Opposition lawmakers shouted slogans such as “We do not accept pre-written decisions” as they condemned what they called a “politically motivated sentence” and demanded justice for their jailed party supremo.
During Question Time, Senator Shibli Faraz, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House, sought permission to speak in the House but was refused by Deputy Speaker Senate Syedaal Khan, who insisted that Question Time should end first.
The rejection further heightened tensions, with PTI senators tearing copies of the session’s agenda in protest.
The disturbances forced the Deputy Speaker to adjourn the session to January 20 (Monday).
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi revealed that three law enforcers were martyred and 106 sustained injuries during violent protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in Islamabad from November 24 to 26.
In a written reply 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 involved in the violent protests.
The Senate was also told that 27 officers and officials of Pakistan Railways have been held responsible for the tragic Ghotki train accident that took place on June 7, 2021.
In a written reply to Senator Shahadat Awan’s query, the Railway Minister stated that disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the officials responsible as per the applicable rules.
The action was taken after the submission of an inquiry report by a five-member committee headed by the Federal Government Inspector of Railways.
The investigation revealed that the derailment of 17-UP Millat Express which led to the disaster was caused by a broken rail link between Daharki and Reti Stations. The report attributed the lack of maintenance of the section’s permanent staff.
