The Senate session, chaired by Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, addressed several public issues including blocked ID cards, rising PIA fares, polio cases, and student challenges at Quaid-e-Azam University. Journalists also staged a walkout over the mistreatment of a senior journalist in Rawalpindi.
Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, responded to questions on CDA’s water costs, blocked CNICs, and fake family trees during the question hour. Senator Fauzia Arshad recommended referring the issue of Islamabad’s falling water table to the concerned committee. Senator Kamran Murtaza questioned the frequent blocking of national identity cards.
Senator Mohsin Aziz expressed frustration over utility store issues being left out of the agenda, despite repeated notices. Chairman Gilani sent the matter to the relevant committee. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal also briefed the House on polio cases in Balochistan and concerns over vaccine-related misinformation.
Student issues at Quaid-e-Azam University were also highlighted. The cancellation of the summer session and hostel evictions caused concern. Minister of State Barrister Aqeel assured that the matter would be resolved soon. Meanwhile, Senator Kamran Murtaza objected to excessive PIA fares, claiming Quetta tickets had crossed Rs. 100,000.
Senator Aimal Wali Khan raised issues related to the Swat incident, FC deployment, and the rights of Pashtuns. The Bajaur tragedy was also discussed, and the deputy chairman requested a full report. Senator Dinesh Kumar criticized the culture of commission in medicine prescriptions and called for action, which the House approved. The chairman referred the journalist incident to the Senate’s Interior Committee and formed a 3-member media liaison committee. The session was adjourned until Friday at 10:30 AM.