Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani suspended PTI Senator Falak Naz from the upper house for two days on Tuesday, following her use of unparliamentary language against Senator Faisal Vawda.
The uproar occurred shortly after police detained several PTI lawmakers. These arrests came in response to violations of a new law governing public rallies, a day after a major rally was held in the capital.
The PTI reported that nearly a dozen of its parliamentarians were arrested in Islamabad, while others took refuge in parliament to avoid arrest.
During the session, harsh words were exchanged when Vawda accused opposition members of hypocrisy. In response, Naz reportedly used swear words against Vawda, leading to his strong protest against her language.
Initially, the Senate chairman removed the offensive words from the record, but Vawda demanded further action, stating, “They are using abusive language even in the Senate, Chairman Sahib, arrest them.”
Vawda insisted on stricter measures, stating, “Words won’t fix this, chairman Sahib, you must take action,” and suggested suspending Naz unless she apologized.
Under pressure, Gilani resolved, “If she doesn’t apologize, I will suspend her.” Consequently, he suspended Naz for two days to restore order, while Vawda declared, “There will either be an apology or a three-year suspension.”
Vawda also criticized the opposition for past political actions and linked them to the murder of journalist Arshad Shair in Kenya, accusing them of political violence.
Amid these tensions, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq announced plans to investigate these complaints, which could lead to legal action. He ordered the release of all detained lawmakers.
