A meeting of Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Communications descended into chaos after a sharp verbal confrontation between Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and Senator Palwasha Khan. The exchange, marked by personal remarks and unparliamentary language, highlighted ongoing tensions within parliamentary forums and renewed debate over political conduct in Pakistan.
The incident occurred during a routine committee session meant to discuss matters related to communications and infrastructure. Instead of policy discussion, the meeting became dominated by a heated argument that forced the committee chairman to step in.
How the Argument Began
According to participants present at the meeting, the clash started when Senator Palwasha Khan raised a question during the proceedings. Her remarks appeared to touch on issues related to private housing societies, a subject that has remained politically sensitive in Pakistan due to past controversies involving land development and regulation.
During the exchange, Senator Palwasha Khan reportedly challenged the federal minister’s tone, asking who he was to speak in such a manner. In response, Abdul Aleem Khan said that respect must be mutual and accused political opponents of making personal allegations rather than focusing on issues.
As tensions escalated, the discussion shifted away from policy and into personal attacks.
Shut Up Remark Sparks Outrage
The situation worsened when Federal Minister Aleem Khan told Senator Palwasha Khan to shut up during the meeting. Senator Palwasha Khan immediately responded with the same phrase, further intensifying the confrontation.
At one point, Aleem Khan made a sweeping remark, stating that all the dishonest people of the era have gathered here, a comment that angered several committee members and drew audible protests.
Such language is considered a serious breach of parliamentary norms. Standing committees are designed to encourage detailed scrutiny of government policies, not personal attacks.
Senator Demands Ruling from Chairman
Following the exchange, Senator Palwasha Khan formally addressed the committee chairman. She demanded a ruling on what she described as the minister’s misconduct and disrespectful behavior.
She questioned whether mentioning a private housing society constituted a crime, stressing that she had merely asked a legitimate question as part of her parliamentary duty. Her remarks underscored concerns that senators are increasingly facing resistance when raising accountability-related issues.
Several members supported her call for maintaining decorum, while others attempted to calm the situation.
Chairman’s Intervention and Apology
As the argument between committee members continued, the chairman of the standing committee intervened to restore order. He urged both sides to lower their voices and return to the agenda.
Following the chairman’s intervention, Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan issued an apology at the chairman’s request. The apology helped defuse tensions, although the atmosphere in the room remained strained.
Mediation Attempts Fall Short
Senior politician Senator Pervez Rasheed attempted to mediate between the two sides during the confrontation. He repeatedly urged both Senator Palwasha Khan and Aleem Khan to remain silent and allow the meeting to proceed.
However, his efforts proved largely unsuccessful as the argument continued for several minutes before the chairman stepped in decisively.
Broader Concerns Over Parliamentary Conduct
The incident has sparked renewed discussion about declining standards of debate within Pakistan’s parliamentary committees. Standing committees play a crucial role in oversight and accountability. According to parliamentary records, the Senate has over a dozen standing committees responsible for monitoring key ministries.
Political analysts note that such confrontations damage the credibility of democratic institutions and distract lawmakers from pressing national issues. Pakistan is currently grappling with economic challenges, infrastructure needs, and governance reforms that require focused legislative attention.
While disagreements are common in democratic systems, experts argue that personal insults undermine public trust in elected representatives.
The exchange between Aleem Khan and Palwasha Khan serves as another reminder of the need for restraint, mutual respect, and adherence to parliamentary norms within Pakistan’s political landscape.
