The ongoing canal project protest reached Parliament on Tuesday as Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senators walked out of a Senate session in Islamabad, accusing the federal government of “stealing Sindh’s water” and failing to consult stakeholders on the controversial development.
Opposition Voices Silenced
The session, chaired by Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani, began with high tensions. Opposition lawmakers, particularly from the PPP, voiced frustration after being denied the opportunity to raise points of order. As the government proceeded with its agenda, PPP senators rose from their seats and chanted slogans like “Water thieves not acceptable” and “Stop stealing Sindh’s water.”
Sit-In and Walkout
Chairman Gillani asked Senator Abro to speak after the scheduled question hour. However, dissatisfied with the delay, Abro began a sit-in near the chairman’s dais.
Government Calls for Dialogue
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar addressed the unrest. He assured the Senate that the government had no intention of making unilateral decisions. “We are open to dialogue,” he said. “Nothing will move forward without consultation.” He also noted that cabinet members were present in the session to answer questions.
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Quorum Disruption Adds to Tensions
In the aftermath of the protest, Chairman Gillani called a quorum check to ensure the session could continue. Although initially confirmed, a recount later showed insufficient attendance, triggering the ringing of bells to summon absent members.
Opposition Criticizes Delayed Representation
Leader of the Opposition, Senator Shibli Faraz, seized the moment to condemn the government’s failure to fill a Senate seat from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. He pointed out that the seat, vacated by Sania Nishtar, had remained empty for a year. Faraz accused certain political factions of obstructing the election process.
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