PPP Stages Walkout from Parliament, Demands Apology from PML-N

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) staged a walkout from both the Senate and National Assembly on Monday, demanding that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership issue an apology over allegedly disparaging remarks made about PPP leaders Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari.

The protest erupted during a Senate session chaired by Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, after PPP Senator Sherry Rehman condemned what she described as irresponsible rhetoric from PML-N leaders at a time when millions across Sindh and Punjab were suffering from devastating floods.

“Instead of solidarity, political point-scoring is weakening national morale,” she said. “Playing the Punjab card and crossing red lines is unacceptable.” Rehman argued that Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had only suggested utilising the Benazir Income Support Programme to aid flood victims and that such calls should not invite ridicule. “Seeking an apology does not diminish anyone’s dignity,” she said.

Following her remarks, PPP senators tore up the Senate agenda and walked out of the chamber.

Government Attempts Damage Control

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar expressed regret over the situation, saying, “If anyone’s sentiments were hurt, I feel sorry as a political worker,” while voicing hope that President Asif Ali Zardari would play a reconciliatory role. Acting Chairman Gilani directed PML-N senators Khalil Tahir Sandhu, Afnan Ullah, and Anusha Rahman to persuade the PPP to return.

PTI Also Launches Verbal Offensive

PTI Senator Ali Zafar seized the moment to criticise both PPP and PML-N, accusing them of “competing for political mileage while flood victims sleep under the open sky.”

“Perhaps aid has reached their pockets instead of the victims,” he quipped, adding, “I give them a trophy for apathy, incompetence, and greed.”

He warned of dire economic consequences, revealing that 5,700 villages in Punjab were submerged, wiping out major rice and cotton yields. “The loss of crops will force $3 billion in imports,” he cautioned.

Zafar also criticised the Punjab government’s approval of the Ravi Urban Development Project, saying the economy was “on a ventilator while the government is busy taking pictures.”

Read More

Pakistan Launches Nationwide Polio Vaccination Drive from Oct 13

Tensions escalated further when PTI senators surrounded the chairman’s podium, demanding their parliamentary leader be given the floor. “You give wrong figures and false claims—this cannot continue,” Law Minister Tarar remarked, rejecting what he called political blackmail.

Later, PTI Senator Saifullah Abro pointed out quorum, leading to a heated exchange with the deputy chairman. When asked to sit, Abro retorted that the chair should “lower his finger,” prompting yet another walkout—this time from PTI members.

Session Ends Amid Frayed Tempers

The session concluded with commitments to hold discussions on Balochistan-related issues later in the week, but Monday’s proceedings largely remained overshadowed by confrontations, walkouts, and political grandstanding — while flood-stricken citizens continue to wait for meaningful relief.