ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) staged a walkout from both the Senate and National Assembly sessions, demanding an apology from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) over remarks targeting PPP leadership, particularly Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Aseefa Bhutto.
During a Senate session chaired by the Acting Chairman, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman strongly criticized what she called “disrespectful and unnecessary” comments made by members of the ruling coalition. She stressed that in the face of a national crisis, when millions are affected by devastating floods in Punjab and Sindh, political leaders should focus on unity instead of playing political cards.
“Using the Punjab card and crossing red lines is damaging the federation,” Rehman said. “All Bilawal Bhutto did was suggest that the Benazir Income Support Programme be used to aid flood victims. He didn’t deserve the kind of response he received.” She added, “Apologizing does not lower anyone’s stature. It only restores respect.”
PPP senators tore up the session agenda and walked out of the house in protest.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar expressed regret over any hurt caused by remarks from the coalition’s side. “If anyone has been offended, I’m saddened as a political worker. President Zardari is a senior statesman and can play a reconciliatory role,” he said. The Acting Chairman directed Senators Khalil Tahir Sandhu, Afnan Ullah, and Anusha Rehman to persuade the PPP members to return.
PTI Criticizes Both PPP and PML-N
Meanwhile, PTI Senator Ali Zafar launched a scathing attack on both PPP and PML-N, accusing them of politicizing the flood relief efforts.
“While flood victims are sleeping under open skies, these parties are fighting over who gave more press conferences,” he said. “Both PPP and PML-N have ruled this country for decades. They are shamelessly competing over who betrayed the nation less.”
Zafar stated that 5,700 villages remain submerged, crops and livestock have been wiped out, and over 18 million people are affected. “60% of the rice crop and 30% of the cotton crop have been destroyed. The country will now have to import goods worth $3 billion,” he added.
He accused the government of focusing on optics while corruption consumes relief efforts. “This isn’t just a natural disaster – it’s a failure of governance,” he said.
The session turned heated as PTI senators protested against not being given the floor. They gathered in front of the Chairman’s dais, demanding their parliamentary leader be allowed to speak. The Acting Chairman refused to proceed until the PTI senators returned to their seats, after which Senator Ali Zafar resumed his speech.
He called for depoliticizing disaster response bodies like NDMA and PDMA and criticized the government for permitting construction along the Ravi river. “Our economy is on a ventilator while the government is busy taking photographs,” Zafar said.
In response, the acting chairman sarcastically asked, “So should we bring back Shaukat Tarin?” referencing PTI’s former finance minister.
Law Minister Tarar concluded by reiterating that the floods were a natural calamity and some things are beyond human control. “Today, the world is listening to us. Even the US is engaging with us now – no one used to take your calls,” he said, addressing PTI. He also revealed that PM met with ANP’s Aimal Wali and briefed him on recent international visits, which reportedly changed Wali’s views after learning the facts.
