Uproar in Senate over Gandapur's slur

Senator Falak Naz calls Vawda name; Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani suspends membership

ISLAMABAD:

The aftershocks of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's Sept 8 rally in the federal capital are still felt in parliament as treasury and opposition members trade barbs over fiery speeches made at the public meeting by the party leaders, particularly Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

The atmosphere was so tense in the Senate on Tuesday that Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani had to intervene when PTI Senator Falak Naz Chitrali used offensive language amid heated arguments with Senator Faisal Vawda. The chair sought apology from Naz but she refused, resulting in suspension of her membership for two days.

Reacting to Gandapur's speech in the PTI rally, Senator Faisal Vawda challenged the K-P chief minister to visit Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan, saying he will return as Mrs Gandapur. He claimed that PTI is pleading for talks with the establishment.

Vawda alleged that PTI founder Imran Khan, General Faiz and Murad Saeed knew of a major incident before journalist Arshad Sharif's murder. "You have had an innocent person killed for your dirty politics," accused Vawda.

His remarks infuriated PTI Senator Falak Naz Chitrali who questioned how Vawda dared to mention PTI founder by name. During the heated exchange, Falak Naz called Vawda name which forced the chair to intervene. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani asked Falak Naz to apologise for her outburst but she refused. The chair suspended Naz's membership for two days.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Shibli Faraz said parliament's sanctity was breached by the arrests of PTI Members National Assembly, which is condemnable.

Expressing his views in the Senate session, Shibli Faraz said it was high drama in parliament on Monday, adding the MPs were treated like criminals.

"Parliament belongs to all but the treasury benches did not condemn the incident which gives an impression that the government is striving for personal interests," said the opposition leader in the Senate.

He said an attempt is being made to push PTI against the wall despite the fact it is the biggest party of Pakistan.

He termed the peaceful assembly legislation shameful, adding, "We all were used in it and we axed our feet."

He pointed out the legislation was done to stop the PTI's path. Shibli Faraz said the hurdles were created despite the issuance of NOC for the rally.

Taking a jibe at the government, he said, "You also hold a rally, we will send people to fill the venue." Citing a reason for delay in winding up the rally, Faraz said people faced hardships to reach the venue as containers were erected to block the passage. It was a rally not a cinema show, he added.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Senate said PTI leaders and activists are Pakistanis, not enemies. He warned against inciting hatred and urged focus on addressing the poor state of affairs in the country.