ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Senate faced another setback on Monday as the required quorum could not be completed for the second consecutive sitting, amid a heated dispute between the government and opposition over former prime minister Imran Khan’s medical treatment.
The session was chaired by Deputy Chairman Syedaal Khan Nasar. However, proceedings continued only briefly.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar and Senator Barrister Ali Zafar raised the issue of Imran Khan’s treatment. Ali Zafar sought to move a resolution concerning the former prime minister’s treatment at a private hospital.
The move was opposed by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and the deputy chairman.
Tarar argued that the matter was already before the courts. He also pointed out that the PTI had filed a contempt petition over the issue.
The deputy chairman also refused permission for the resolution to be moved. He said the Senate Secretariat had not been informed about it in advance.
The opposition leader then sought permission to speak. The deputy chairman refused to allow discussion on a matter pending before the courts.
PTI senators protested and stood at their seats. The opposition later walked out of the chamber.
During the protest, Senator Abdul Qadir introduced a bill seeking further amendments to the Members of Parliament Salaries and Allowances Act, 1974.
Senate Quorum Fails Again
After the opposition walkout, Senator Mushaal pointed out the lack of quorum.
The deputy chairman ordered a headcount. However, the required number of lawmakers was not present.
The Senate was therefore declared inquorate, and the sitting was adjourned until Tuesday at 11am.
PPP Does Not Help Government in National Assembly
Meanwhile, the government also faced difficulties in the National Assembly.
Differences between the ruling PML-N and its coalition partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), reportedly remained unresolved.
According to sources, PPP lawmakers did not enter the House to help the government complete the quorum. They remained in the parliamentary lobby instead.
The development has added to tensions between the government and PPP and could affect parliamentary proceedings.
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