ISLAMABAD: A routine Senate Standing Committee meeting turned tense on Friday when a sharp exchange between Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and PPP Senator Palwasha Khan escalated into a public verbal clash, drawing widespread attention on social media.
The confrontation began after Senator Palwasha Khan questioned the performance of the communications ministry, particularly raising concerns over a road project. What started as accountability quickly turned into a heated argument when Minister Aleem Khan reacted angrily to the query.
Visibly upset, the minister accused the senator of siding with dishonest elements and made strong remarks during the meeting. He also warned that he would expose her conduct before the committee, questioning her tone and authority while addressing him.
Senator Palwasha Khan responded firmly, saying the minister’s aggressive reaction reflected his own discomfort over the issue. She demanded that the committee take notice of his behaviour and issue a formal ruling to maintain decorum.
A video clip of the exchange, showing both figures shouting at each other, soon went viral, fueling public debate about conduct inside parliamentary forums.
After the meeting, Senator Palwasha Khan spoke to the media, standing by her remarks and announcing that she would raise the matter within her party. She also urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to remove Abdul Aleem Khan from the cabinet, accusing him of using inappropriate language during official proceedings. She further alleged that corruption within the National Highway Authority was an open secret.
The incident has once again highlighted rising tensions in the Senate and raised serious questions about professionalism, accountability, and respect in parliamentary discussions. As the debate continues online and in political circles, the clash has put the communications ministry and Senate decorum under renewed scrutiny.
