ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly descended into chaos on Friday following a heated exchange between opposition and treasury members over the treatment of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned. The opposition accused the government of denying Khan basic rights, while the treasury alleged he was receiving preferential treatment “akin to a five-star hotel.”
Tensions escalated when Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal and PML-N MNA Hanif Abbasi delivered speeches highlighting the hardships they faced under Khan’s government, accusing him of seeking concessions by creating a public outcry. Opposition members responded with a loud protest and slogans, forcing Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to adjourn the session until Monday evening. Consequently, none of the 18 agenda items could be discussed, except the question hour, which was suspended for 30 minutes due to a lack of quorum.
Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan condemned the alleged mistreatment of Imran Khan at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, including restrictions on family and party member visits, and communication with his sons abroad. He also criticized the treatment of PTI parliamentarians by jail authorities and security personnel, and raised concerns over ongoing issues such as the closure of Utility Stores, law and order in Balochistan, political victimization of PTI leaders, and damages from recent monsoon rains.
Omar Ayub also accused the government of restricting internet services and curbing media freedom, and highlighted restrictions on press conferences by Baloch activists. He called on the Speaker to address these issues.
In response, Minister Ahsan Iqbal urged Imran Khan to prove his innocence in court rather than resorting to media outcries, accusing him of seeking an NRO-like relief. He argued that PML-N leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, had faced jail and proved their innocence in court, and alleged that Khan was enjoying luxurious conditions in prison.
A fierce protest erupted when Hanif Abbasi took the floor and made personal remarks against Imran Khan, including allegations about drug use, prompting the Speaker to expunge some of his comments. However, it remained unclear which remarks were removed, as the Speaker did not clarify despite requests from Abbasi.
