A heated debate erupted in the Senate as lawmakers from both the opposition and treasury benches traded sharp accusations over the treatment of political workers, alleged political victimisation and the country’s broader political environment.
Speaking during the Senate session, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Mashal Yousafzai questioned the treatment of women associated with political parties, saying political women in the country face immense hardships. She said it was unjust to deprive women of their rights because of their political affiliation.
Mashal alleged that detained PTI workers and leaders were being denied basic rights and raised concerns over the treatment of several female political figures. She claimed that Aliya Hamza was arrested in the absence of a female police officer and questioned under which law a woman could be shifted to a hospital without informing her family.
She alleged that doctors had informed them that strict instructions had been issued not to allow Sanam Javed to meet her family. According to her, despite serious illness, Sanam Javed was kept in a prison vehicle for three hours on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
During her speech, Senator Nasir Butt stood up and demanded an apology over her remarks. In response, Mashal told him to sit down, saying that he too had sisters and daughters at home.
Presiding over the session, the chair attempted to restore order, remarking, “How will the House function in such a zoo?”
Federal Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar urged lawmakers to exercise caution and avoid sweeping statements.
Continuing her speech, Mashal said opposition lawmakers had listened patiently to speeches from treasury members and accused the Punjab government of committing injustices against women linked to PTI. She raised concerns over the health condition of PTI leader Yasmin Rashid, claiming she was not being provided basic medical facilities.
The senator said that Senator Ijaz Chaudhry was a member of the House and questioned why Aliya Hamza’s daughters were allegedly being denied meetings with their mother. Referring to Falak Javed, she asked what crime she had committed other than not praising Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari.
Responding to the opposition’s criticism, Senator Nasir Butt defended the ruling coalition and recalled past incidents involving PML-N leaders. He said former First Lady Kulsoom Nawaz had to “prove by dying” that she had cancer. He also accused PTI leaders of targeting former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his imprisonment.
Nasir Butt said PTI had promised not to approach the IMF but eventually did so, adding that the previous government had pushed the country toward economic default. He also criticized overseas YouTubers and accused PTI supporters of attacking state institutions.
The senator alleged that poison had once been mixed in Nawaz Sharif’s food and claimed that Captain Safdar had been arrested after authorities broke down doors late at night. His remarks triggered loud protests from opposition lawmakers.
Senator Rubina Khalid urged lawmakers to maintain parliamentary decorum and said her party, the Pakistan People's Party, had never practiced politics based on negative behaviour. She called on senators to withdraw offensive remarks and apologize.
Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan Nasir told protesting PTI lawmakers that the opposition did not consist solely of their party.
Senator Nasima Ehsan called for an end to revenge politics, saying political victimization had affected all parties in the past. Referring to the late former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, she said political leaders and their families had historically suffered mistreatment.
She also recalled the imprisonment of Nawaz Sharif and his daughter during the illness and death of Kulsoom Nawaz, urging lawmakers to respect each other’s leadership and end the cycle of political revenge.
Senator Manzoor Kakar criticized PTI lawmakers, saying that during their own tenure they had remained silent over incidents involving women politicians from other parties, including Faryal Talpur. He asked whether respect and honor were reserved only for PTI founder Imran Khan.
Kakar highlighted economic and governance issues, saying goods worth billions of rupees had recently been destroyed in a fire in Balochistan. He called for a serious investigation into the incident and demanded discussion on FBR tax policies, claiming industries were relocating to Bangladesh because of taxation issues.
Senator Khurram Zeeshan accused treasury lawmakers of interrupting women whenever they spoke in the House. He criticized the government’s economic performance and questioned celebrations by treasury members while, according to him, more than 35 people had recently been martyred.
Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan Nasir repeatedly instructed senators to remain focused on the agenda and eventually switched off Khurram Zeeshan’s microphone amid continued disruptions.
PTI Senator Zeeshan Khanzada said it was difficult to discuss economic matters and taxation while alleged injustices against political leadership continued unresolved.
The session later faced procedural disruption after quorum was pointed out by the opposition. Following the count, the quorum was found incomplete and proceedings were suspended for five minutes.
Leader of the Opposition Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said it was the opposition’s responsibility to identify issues, while it was up to the government to respond appropriately. He maintained that meeting PTI founder Imran Khan and ensuring his medical treatment were fundamental rights of both the former prime minister and his family.