File photo of PTI chief Imran Khan. PHOTO: QAZI USMAN
Over two dozen senators recorded their displeasure with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan over ‘inappropriate comments’ on Monday, by submitting a privilege motion in the Senate and demanding an apology.
The PTI chief came under fire in the upper house of parliament over what senators said was abusive language used against them, and earned the wrath of 26 senators from all parliamentary parties.
The motion moved in the house by ANP Senator Zahid Khan was unanimously adopted by the house, with the chair later referring it to the Standing Committee on Privilege for discussion.
Senators were infuriated with Imran over what they described as “derogatory language against the senators” in a TV talk show where Imran allegedly said that the senators enter the upper house by bribing heads of political parties. They also maintained that Imran had said that the senators contribute nothing to the lawmaking process.
MQM and PPP members grumbled and said they had not paid a single penny, adding that Imran should approach Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) if he had any proof.
ANP Senator Haji Adeel said, “This person first used the word ‘shameful’ for the superior judiciary and is now using derogatory language against members of the upper house.
“He should be called to the house and asked to tender an apology over this shameful language.”
PPP’s Saleem H Mandiviwala was visibly upset over Imran’s remarks, and said that if the PTI chief thinks money is a pre-requisite for becoming a senator, “he must have some serious issues”.
PML-N Senator Muhammad Rafique Rajwana said it was contempt to the Senate and it reserved the right to take an action in this regard.
Privitisation policy
Senator Mushahidullah Khan of PML-N said that the government would not privatise any profit-earning entity or fire any employee in the process. He said the PML-N government is making efforts to control the mismanagement of the PPP, adding that it is ironic that the PPP government had first introduced the policy back in 1994 and is now criticising the move.
ANP’s Shahi Syed said transparency must be ensured in the privatisation deeds. He urged the government to ensure the provision of basic amenities to people.
Sardar Mohsin Leghari said that some government entities devour over Rs500 billion per annum, which amounts to Rs1.5 billion per day.
Journalists’ walkout
Journalists covering the Senate proceedings staged a walk out from the press gallery in protest against threats to a journalist by MNA Abdul Rashid Godil of the MQM.
Later, Minister for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali and Abbas Afridi came to the press gallery and persuaded the media persons to end the boycott.
Later, MQM Senator Nasreen Jalil apologised to the house on behalf of her party, saying the MQM had always stood for the protection of the journalist community. “I will take up the issue of Godil with senior party leaders,” she added.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 18th, 2014.
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