The Senate session once again descended into chaos as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) staged a walkout in protest against the controversial canal project, while members of the Sunni Ittehad Council and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) raised slogans over being denied time on a point of order.
The session, chaired by Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani, began with a quorum being pointed out by Senator Shahadat Awan.
During the session, PTI senators chanted slogans like “PPP ki munafiqat na manzoor” (PPP’s hypocrisy unacceptable), while opposition lawmakers, including those from PPP, gathered in front of the chairman’s dais in protest.
As chants of “Pani pe daka na manzoor” (robbery of water not acceptable) echoed in the house, PPP senators walked out of the session over the canal issue.
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Despite the uproar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar continued his address, saying the matter of canal construction from the Indus River would be resolved through dialogue. “This is not how public service is done; they are reacting to losing the Tharparkar election,” he remarked.
He added that PPP leaders had been in contact with the Prime Minister’s adviser Rana Sanaullah, and cabinet members would respond to questions today. He urged PPP senators to return to the house and engage in discussion rather than protesting. “The issue will be resolved as per the Constitution and law. Nothing will be bulldozed,” he assured.
Earlier in the session, a prayer was offered for the Pakistani victims of a road accident in Saudi Arabia, led by Maulana Abdul Waseh.
The house also observed a one-minute silence to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Christian community.
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Additionally, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani announced the names of presiding officers for the panel of chair, including Senators Sherry Rehman, Irfan Siddiqui, and Saleem Mandviwalla.
Prayers were also offered for the late mother of Senator Faisal Sabzwari and the late father of Senator Palwasha Khan.
