The National Assembly convened on Monday to begin voting on substantial demands for grants totaling over Rs1.24 trillion allocated to three federal ministries. This move ignited a fierce confrontation between the ruling coalition and opposition parties, centering on the country’s law and order challenges and accusations of political victimization.
Presiding over the session, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq witnessed Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb present four grant demands exceeding Rs349 billion specifically for the Interior Division. In response, the opposition, strongly represented by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members, submitted 123 cut motions to contest the proposed allocations, leading to a tense legislative impasse.
PTI lawmaker Sardar Latif Khosa spearheaded the opposition’s critique, sharply questioning the justification for increasing the Interior Ministry’s budget amid ongoing governance and security shortcomings. Khosa remarked that while funds have risen, the ministry’s performance remains lacking, emphasizing that a state depends on effective governance rather than force.
He underscored that authority ultimately resides with the people, warning that without their support, the state becomes lifeless. Khosa also condemned the use of unmarked Vigo trucks, often linked to forced disappearances and political intimidation, a practice previously criticized by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif. He accused those operating with convoys of such vehicles of exploiting the public and suggested that individuals facing threats should rely on private security instead. Khosa further warned that continued mismanagement might even lead to the Defense Minister’s dismissal.
Highlighting unresolved issues, Khosa lamented the stalled investigation into a shooting incident targeting his son in Lahore, sarcastically questioning whether he or Barrister Gohar were now considered terrorists. He accused the Interior Ministry head of diverting attention, noting the official’s controversial involvement in Pakistan cricket affairs and speculating about his potential political rise.
In a significant development, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the government against opposition allegations, accusing them of political absenteeism and hypocrisy. Tarar noted that the government had included two opposition members in the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, but they had not participated in recent meetings. He urged PTI to engage constructively in the standing committee reviewing the criminal law draft and highlighted the need for a response from the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government.
Tarar dismissed claims of political manipulation concerning imprisoned PTI leaders, emphasizing that court verdicts were independent and the government had no role in sentencing. He criticized opposition members for boycotting parliamentary proceedings while still enjoying privileges, stating that such behavior contradicts the rule of law.
Echoing Khosa’s concerns, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan condemned the Interior Ministry’s record over the past four years, describing it as a period marked by human rights erosion and severe legal violations. Gohar reiterated PTI’s commitment to national unity and the rule of law, calling on political leaders to overcome personal differences. He referenced an attempt at reconciliation when Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai approached the prime minister to shake hands, though subsequent sentences against PTI members like Dr Yasmin Rashid and Ejaz Chaudhary dampened hopes.
Gohar clarified that PTI supports accountability but opposes punishments based on fabricated cases. He urged that the aftermath of the May 9 riots be allowed to settle to end the ongoing cycle of political victimization.
Beyond national issues, Gohar raised a constituency concern involving young people from Buner traveling to Malaysia for business who are encountering significant difficulties with their Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs). Speaker Ayaz Sadiq promptly instructed Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry to address and resolve the matter without delay.
The National Assembly is expected to continue its session throughout the week, proceeding with voting on the remaining grant demands amid the ongoing budget debate.
