Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi launched a scathing attack on the opposition in the parliament on Tuesday, focusing on Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Yousaf Raza Gillani, labeling him a “sell out” and a “compromised leader”.
Former prime minister and Pakistan People’s Party leader Gilani was among eight opposition senators who missed last Friday’s Senate session. Their absence allowed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf government to pass the State Bank of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill with a narrow margin.
In a satirical tone, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had thanked Gilani for indirectly supporting the government.
Gilani, while addressing the Senate in his speech on Monday, said he was being blamed by “certain turncoats”. He was apparently referring to Qureshi and Chaudhary’s past affiliations with his party, PPP.
Replying to his comments on the Senate floor today, Qureshi called Gilani a compromised leader urging the opposition not to rely on him.
He asked why the opposition did not pick experienced leaders such as PPP Senators Raza Rabbani and Sherry Rehman for the leadership of their side. The foreign minister doubted that Gilani would follow through with his resignation, accusing him of lying and creating a “drama”.
Gilani had said that the agenda for Friday’s session was given hours before the house was to meet. He argued that more time was required for the lawmakers to deliberate on the legislation.
While speaking to media persons today, Gilani responded to Qureshi’s attack and termed it a “contempt of Senate”.
