PPP walks out of NA, Senate; demands apology from PML-N leadership

The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) walked out of both the Senate and National Assembly on Monday, demanding that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership apologise for making remarks against its top leaders.

The Senate session, chaired by Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, turned heated when PPP Senator Sherry Rehman criticized PML-N’s political tone during ongoing floods in Sindh and Punjab.

She said that millions were suffering due to floods, yet instead of showing unity, leaders were creating divisions. “The verbal war between the Punjab and Sindh governments is affecting the federal government,” she added, calling out “playing the Punjab card” as unacceptable.

Rehman condemned remarks about “Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari,” saying, “Bilawal only said that the Benazir Income Support Programme should be used to assist flood victims.” She stressed that seeking an apology “does not diminish anyone’s dignity.”

After her speech, PPP senators tore up the agenda copies and walked out of the session.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar expressed regret, saying, “If anyone’s sentiments were hurt, I feel sorry as a political worker.” He praised President Asif Ali Zardari as a seasoned politician who could ease tensions.

Meanwhile, PTI Senator Ali Zafar criticized both PPP and PML-N, accusing them of fighting for political mileage while flood victims suffered. He said aid had not reached those in need and mocked the ruling parties for being more focused on “trophies” than relief work.

Zafar also warned that flood damage to crops would force Pakistan to import goods worth $3 billion, saying, “Our economy is on a ventilator.”

Tensions rose again when PTI senators demanded that their leader be allowed to speak, causing a brief standoff. Law Minister Tarar accused the opposition of “blackmailing” and spreading “false claims.”

The session later resumed with more criticism of the government’s flood response, corruption allegations, and concerns over attacks in Balochistan. The Senate will continue discussions on Thursday and Friday.

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