Government and Opposition Clash Over Interior Ministry Budget
A charged session unfolded in the National Assembly on Monday as the government and opposition sparred during the debate on the Interior Ministry's budget and cut motions. The sitting, chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, saw repeated interruptions over issues of human rights, security operations, and political accountability.
Minister of State Defends Security Record
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry led the government's defence, stating that the ministry bore the responsibility of 501 martyrs and several ghazis. He reported that 1,020 personnel had been martyred in counter-terrorism operations, and 3,355 terrorist incidents were recorded during the period, with approximately 95% occurring in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Opposition Leader Raises Human Rights Concerns
Opposition leader Barrister Gohar Khan raised concerns over political victimisation and alleged human rights violations over the past four years. He argued that such practices undermined democratic norms and institutional trust. Criticising the government, he warned against using the events of May 9 for political victimisation, insisting that legal proceedings should remain free from political influence.
Law Minister Responds to Opposition Criticism
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar responded by stating that two opposition members had been given representation in the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). He also criticised the opposition for boycotting key meetings and noted that important criminal law reforms remained pending at the committee stage.
Security Situation Highlighted by JUI-F MNA
JUI-F MNA Noor Alam Khan highlighted the worsening security situation, saying terrorism had severely affected Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He urged that no distinction be made between different categories of terrorists.
National Assembly Approves Over Rs10.414 Trillion in Demands
The National Assembly approved demands for grants worth over Rs10.414 trillion covering 32 ministries and divisions. A total of 135 demands were passed, while 587 opposition cut motions were rejected by majority vote. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the budget demands for approval. Opposition members submitted multiple cut motions across key ministries, including 90 against the Cabinet Division, 116 against the Energy Division, and 100 against the Finance Division.
