ISLAMABAD:
Tensions were high in the Senate on Friday as PTI senators staged a vehement protest following the conviction of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Al-Qadir Trust case, d ‘worth £190 million.
The uproar, led by Senator Shibli Faraz, brought proceedings in the House to a halt as opposition members gathered in front of the Speaker’s dais.
Opposition MPs chanted slogans such as “We do not accept pre-written decisions”, while denouncing what they called a “politically motivated verdict” and demanding justice for their party leader incarcerated.
During the question hour, Senator Shibli Faraz, who is also the leader of the opposition in the upper house, sought permission to address the house but was refused by the deputy speaker of the Senate, Syedaal Khan, who insisted that Question Hour be completed first.
The refusal further inflamed tensions, with PTI senators tearing up copies of the session’s agenda in protest.
The disruptions forced the Vice President to adjourn the session till January 20 (Monday).
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi revealed that three law enforcement personnel were martyred and 106 others were injured during the violent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf protests in Islamabad from November 24-26 .
In a written response to Senator Quratulain Marri, the minister said 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 have been registered in various police stations of Islamabad against those involved in the violent protests.
The Senate was also informed that 27 officers and officials of Pakistan Railways have been held responsible for the tragic Ghotki train accident that occurred on June 7, 2021.
In a written response to Senator Shahadat Awan’s question, the Minister of Railways said that disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the responsible officials in accordance with 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 caused the disaster, was caused by the rupture of a railway joint between Daharki and Reti stations. The report attributes the failure to inadequate maintenance by staff of the permanent section of tracks.
