Talal Chaudhry, Saifullah Abro clash in Senate panel

A heated exchange took place between Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Senator Saifullah Abro during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior.

The argument erupted during a discussion on bills presented before the committee. Talal Chaudhry opposed another bill moved by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri. Despite the government’s opposition, the committee approved the bill through a majority vote.

During the proceedings, Talal Chaudhry objected to the way the bills were being handled. “If you want to approve every bill without reading it, that is your choice,” he said.

Saifullah Abro strongly objected to the minister’s remarks. He said senators were not there merely to sit and listen to opposition to the bills.

Talal Chaudhry responded that it was his choice whether to oppose a bill or not. The exchange then became more heated.

Abro questioned whether senators were simply sitting idle during the proceedings. He also called for the minister to be told how the committee should function.

Talal Chaudhry said the matter under discussion was related to health. He also objected to Abro’s conduct towards a representative of the Ministry of Law.

Abro then accused the minister of threatening senators during the meeting.

The verbal confrontation prompted the committee chairman to intervene. The chairman asked Abro to end the argument, maintain the committee’s decorum and allow the proceedings to continue.

“Saifullah sahib, please stop. Take care of the decorum and let the committee proceed,” the chairman said.

The committee continued its proceedings despite the tense exchange between the two lawmakers.