Verdict stirs commotion in Senate

Tensions ran 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 uproar, led by Senator Shibli Faraz, brought the House proceedings to a grinding halt as opposition members gathered in front of the chairman's dais.

The opposition lawmakers chanted slogans such as "We do not accept prewritten decisions" while denouncing what they called a "politically motivated verdict" and demanding justice for their incarcerated party supremo.

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 denied by Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan, who insisted that the Question Hour be completed first.

The refusal further inflamed tensions, with PTI senators tearing copies of the session's agenda in protest.

The disruptions forced the deputy chairman to adjourn the session until 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 response to Senator Quratulain Marri, the minister stated that, as per reports from all police stations in the federal capital, no civilian casualties or injuries were recorded during the protests.

He further disclosed that 17 criminal cases had been registered at various police stations across Islamabad against those involved in the violent protests.

The Senate was also told that 27 officers and officials of Pakistan Railways have been held accountable for the tragic Ghotki train accident that occurred on June 7, 2021.

In a written reply to Senator Shahadat Awan's query, the railways minister stated that disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the responsible officials under the applicable rules.

The action was taken following the submission of a fact-finding inquiry report by a five-member committee led by the federal government inspector for railways.

The inquiry revealed that the derailment of the 17-UP Millat Express, which led to the disaster, was caused by a broken rail joint between Daharki and Reti Stations. The report attributed the failure to inadequate maintenance by the sectional permanent-way staff.