ISLAMABAD: In an unusually contentious session on Thursday, Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan Nasir stunned lawmakers by issuing a sweeping directive barring criticism of “national heroes” and political leaders inside the Upper House — a move widely described by opposition members as a blatant deviation from parliamentary rules.
“You cannot speak against political heroes who suffered martyrdom, went into exile, worked for the nation, conducted nuclear tests, and made the nuclear bomb,” Mr Nasir declared, moments after concluding the day’s agenda amid vocal dissent from opposition benches. He insisted the Senate would now operate strictly “under the law,” asserting that no member may speak against institutions, national heroes, or leaders of political parties.
When asked by ANP chief Aimal Wali Khan to define these “national heroes,” the deputy chairman listed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif, Dr A.Q. Khan, and “all those who signed the 1973 Constitution.” The response fueled further murmurs in the chamber, with several lawmakers questioning whether the chair had the authority to impose such subjective restrictions.
Threat to Suspend Lawmakers Under Rule 246
Citing persistent disruptions from the opposition, Mr Nasir warned he would use Rule 246—which allows the chair to suspend members obstructing proceedings—if disorder continued. He said he had issued a similar ruling in February but noted “certain members” continued to challenge decorum. Without directly naming the PTI, he said he would write to its parliamentary leader instructing members to follow House rules.
You May Also Like: The Imran Khan Death Hoax – A Case Study of Fake News
He also criticised the growing practice of lawmakers crowding the chair’s podium, stressing that “the chair and its rulings must be respected.”
Controversy Deepens as Opposition Senator Penalised
Ironically, the deputy chairman—while calling for strict adherence to parliamentary norms—triggered another controversy during Question Hour by punishing an opposition senator for merely pointing out the quorum, a right explicitly granted under parliamentary rules. He barred the senator from participating further, saying, “This is my ruling.”
Opposition members described the ruling as an “extraordinary overreach,” noting that pointing out quorum is a procedural requirement, not misconduct.
Minister Admits Govt ‘Negligence’ on Insurance Delays
Earlier, during Question Hour, PPP Senator Shahadat Awan highlighted massive delays in releasing Postal Life Insurance Company (PLICL) payments to nearly 34,000 beneficiaries, including widows and orphans. Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan candidly admitted the lapse, calling it “government incompetence and negligence.” He noted that under the Insurance Ordinance, the company now faced escalating financial liabilities and urged immediate budgetary support from the finance ministry.
The Senate will reconvene on Friday, as tensions continue to simmer over the deputy chairman’s unprecedented restrictions.
Check out our latest video:
