PTI walks out of Senate over Imran health row

PTI senators on Monday staged a walkout from the Senate after Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas was denied permission to speak on party founder Imran Khan's health. The protest erupted shortly after proceedings began when the opposition leader sought the floor to raise the incarcerated leader's health while PTI Parliamentary Leader Barrister Ali Zafar attempted to move a resolution on the former prime minister's treatment. The deputy chairman refused to allow either move, saying the matter was sub judice, prompting PTI members to stand at their seats and raise slogans. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and the deputy chairman opposed its introduction. The law minister argued that the matter was already before the courts and that PTI itself had filed a contempt petition. "Then why is a resolution being moved in the Senate?" he asked. The deputy chairman also refused to allow the resolution to be moved, saying the Senate Secretariat had not been informed about it in advance. During the House business, the opposition leader again rose from his seat and sought permission to speak. However, the deputy chairman again declined to allow him to discuss a matter pending before the courts. PTI members reacted strongly, standing up in protest and continuing their slogans. Amid the opposition protest, Senator Abdul Qadir moved a bill seeking further amendment to the Members of Parliament (Salaries and Allowances) Act, 1974. The PTI members continued their protest, saying they would not allow the House to function in this manner. Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan Nasir told the opposition leader that he would certainly be given time to speak, but asked the opposition to allow the proceedings to continue. "You will definitely be given time. Please allow the House to function," he said. He urged members to let the business proceed, saying the House would function according to its rules and not according to the wishes of any individual. "Let the business continue. The House will function according to the rules, not according to your wishes," he said. During the protest, PTI Senator Mashal Yousafzai pointed out a lack of quorum. PTI members then walked out of the House while protesting. Bells were rung to summon members and complete the quorum, but the required number of senators could not be secured. The Senate proceedings were subsequently adjourned until 11am on Tuesday (today). Earlier, eight private members' bills were introduced in the upper house and referred to the concerned committees for further consideration. Senator Shahadat Awan introduced the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeking further amendments to the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898. Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir introduced the Fatima Institute of Science and Technology Multan Bill, 2026, providing for the establishment of the Fatima Institute of Science and Technology.