Senate Chaos: Acting Chairman Suspends Three PTI Lawmakers

The Acting Chairman of the Senate, Mr Nasar, suspended three PTI lawmakers, creating chaos in the Senate.

Controversy over the State Bank Amendment Bill:

Acting Senate Chairman Syedaal Khan Nasar suspended three PTI lawmakers. The move came a day after a controversial decision to block a vote on the State Bank of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill. PTI’s Senator Mohsin Aziz introduced the bill. The bill had already passed the Senate Standing Committee on Finance.

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On Monday, a motion was presented for immediate consideration of the bill, sparking outrage among PTI members. In addition, Nasar announced the suspension of three opposition senators and abruptly adjourned the House.

Suspended senators and the opposition’s reaction:

The suspended PTI senators include Aon Abbas Bappi, Humayun Mohmand, and Falak Naz. The acting chairman ordered their expulsion from the House for the remainder of the ongoing session. He defended his decision and stated that the House must not be run according to anyone’s agenda. Opposition lawmakers reacted strongly. They demanded Mr. Nasar’s resignation and tore up copies of the agenda in protest. They also chanted slogans, including calls to “bring back Gilani.”

Absence of Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani:

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani’s absence fuels the controversy. He has not chaired a single session in the current sitting. The opposition claims that Gilani’s absence has weakened the integrity of the Senate’s proceedings.

Deferral of the SBP Amendment Bill:

Mr Nasar ruled that the amendment bill does not comply with Article 74 of the Constitution. According to this Article, the bill must get the president’s approval before being presented to Parliament. Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz opposed the chair’s decision. He argued that the bill had already passed the necessary checks and was lawfully presented for voting. 

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Growing political tensions in the Senate:

Mr Nasar suspended three PTI lawmakers. Their suspension increased the political tension. Opposition senators view it as an attack on parliamentary democracy, while the government sees it as necessary to maintain order. The ongoing conflict reflects the broader political instability in the country.