Senate Agreement Sparks Controversy Over Election Delay, Opposition Senators Protest

The recent controversy surrounding the agreement in the Senate to delay elections surfaced twice, with the absence of Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Murtaza Solangi, during the presentation of the accord. Upon his arrival, the agreement was presented again, and this time, with overwhelming support, the Senate approved the decision to postpone elections. However, Solangi opposed the election delay agreement, and similarly, Senator Gurdeep Singh expressed dissent when the agreement was presented for the second time.

In this context, Senator Hidayatullah emphasized that suicide is prohibited in Islam, distinguishing between self-destruction and bravery. He conveyed that they are not against elections and asserted that everyone who has left should now declare their intentions regarding participation in the elections. He stressed the need for elections without any bloodshed.

During this session, People’s Party Senators Sherry Rehman and Palwasha Khan arrived in the Senate. Senator Prince Ahmad Umar stated that they support this agreement and their institutions are sacrificing lives. He pointed out that they are participating in elections from Quetta, where the temperature is below freezing, and urged the Election Commission to make a fair decision.

Senator Manzoor Kakar stated that they are living in Dera Bugti, where gas is not available, and every factory in Punjab is receiving gas. He highlighted that the people of Dera Bugti are not receiving gas for elections but emphasized that the public will not surrender to the wave of terrorism.

The overall sentiment in the Senate portrayed a divide among senators, with differing opinions on the election delay agreement. While some senators supported the decision, others vehemently opposed it, emphasizing the importance of elections and expressing concerns about the potential impact of terrorism. The session underscored the challenges and tensions surrounding the electoral process in the country.