The Senate on Wednesday witnessed a heated exchange between the opposition and treasury benches over the situation in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, as well as broader governance issues, with Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas questioning recent government actions and Federal Minister for Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah defending the government’s position.
Speaking in the house, Allama Nasir Abbas criticised the government’s handling of affairs in Kashmir, saying those who had previously been engaged through dialogue were now being labelled as terrorists.
“The people with whom negotiations were held yesterday in Kashmir were patriots. Today, the same people are being called terrorists,” he said, adding that such policies would send the wrong message and further complicate the country’s challenges.
Referring to the security situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he said the prevailing conditions were pushing the country in a dangerous direction. He also alleged that elections in Gilgit-Baltistan were not conducted fairly and warned that similar issues could emerge elsewhere if concerns were not addressed.
Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan asked the opposition leader to conclude his remarks and allow the government to respond.
Following his speech, Allama Nasir Abbas staged a walkout from the house. Senator Humayun Mohmand later remarked that the opposition leader should not be prevented from expressing his views.
Responding to the criticism, Rana Sanaullah rejected allegations about the Gilgit-Baltistan elections and said that no political party had formally complained of rigging.
He said PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and his party had conducted an active election campaign in the region and participated fully in the electoral process.
The opposition returned to the house during Sanaullah’s speech, ending the walkout.
The minister also spoke about negotiations with the Awami Action Committee, saying a written agreement had been reached on 37 out of 38 demands raised by the group. He said three demands related to refugee seats had also been accepted.
Sanaullah claimed the committee had announced a protest call for June 9 as early as January and alleged that its objective was to disrupt the electoral process.
He further alleged that some committee representatives had demanded the removal of the oath of allegiance to Pakistan used during elections.
Addressing the house later, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas reiterated his demand for free and transparent elections across the country and said questions were being raised regarding the electoral process in Gilgit-Baltistan.
“Kashmir is our jugular vein, and there can be no compromise on it,” he said, adding that political matters should be handled by elected representatives.
During the session, Senator Manzoor Kakar raised several issues related to law and order and public services in Balochistan.
He appreciated Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry for taking timely action in resolving a recent kidnapping case but expressed concern over the acid attack on Dr Mahnoor in Balochistan.
Kakar said the incident had exposed shortcomings in the healthcare system and questioned why the victim had to be shifted from a government facility to a private hospital despite the existence of a burn unit.
He also criticised the state of healthcare services, noting that senior officials often sought treatment outside the province.
The senator further highlighted concerns over attacks on transporters in Balochistan, saying trucks were being burned and compensation of Rs1 million was being offered to affected owners. He warned that traders across the province were planning a strike and called for a comprehensive policy to address the situation.
The Senate session was adjourned until 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
