A Senate session was held in Islamabad on Thursday, presided over by Deputy Chairman Syedul Khan. Tensions arose between the opposition and the chair over the arrest of Senator Aon Abbas Buppi.
Opposition members, led by Senator Shibli Faraz, vocally condemned the arrest, alleging it was politically motivated, and demanded an explanation from the Law Minister regarding the circumstances and potential release of Senator Buppi.
The session escalated when Senator Manzoor Kakar engaged in a heated exchange with Deputy Chairman Syedul Khan, criticizing the chair’s conduct and asserting that senators are not subordinates. In response, the Deputy Chairman emphasized his commitment to conducting the session according to legal protocols.
Amidst the uproar, opposition members staged a walkout in protest of Senator Buppi’s arrest and the perceived undermining of the Senate’s authority. Senator Shibli Faraz highlighted concerns over the lack of respect for the Senate’s proceedings, referencing unaddressed production orders for detained senators and pending resignations, such as that of Sania Nishtar.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar addressed the chamber, acknowledging the arrest of Senator Buppi by Bahawalpur police on charges related to illegal hunting of Chinkara deer. He assured the Senate that he had requested a comprehensive report on the incident and would ensure that all legal assistance is provided to the detained senator.
The session further devolved into disorder when opposition senators, including Aon Abbas Buppi, Humayun Mohmand, and Falak Naz Chitrali, protested near the chairman’s dais, leading to their suspension for the remainder of the session by Deputy Chairman Syedul Khan. The opposition’s chants demanding the return of Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani and the resignation of the Deputy Chairman underscored the deepening rift within the Senate.
The incident highlights the growing tensions between the opposition and the government, raising concerns about the functioning and decorum of parliamentary proceedings in Pakistan.
