Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Sherry Rehman called for an apology from Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan after a fiery exchange with Senator Palwasha Khan during Friday’s Senate Standing Committee on Communications meeting.
The confrontation erupted over questions about public funds allegedly used for a road primarily serving a private housing scheme in Lahore.
In a late-night X post, Rehman condemned the incident, insisting such behavior in the Senate committee must not be tolerated. She declared that no federal minister should address a senator as Aleem Khan did to Palwasha, stressing her “absolute duty and right to question and hold the government accountable.”
Rehman added: “He must apologize—not just because she’s a woman, but because she deserves the basic respect owed to any honorable parliamentarian from a cabinet member.”
Details of the Confrontation
The dispute ignited when Palwasha probed whether taxpayer money funded a road benefiting a private development. In frustration, the minister warned of retaliation against personal attacks: “If you launch attacks, expect the same in return.” He insisted the government would clarify issues but refused to match what he saw as her tone.
Palwasha stood firm, defending her parliamentary oversight role and seeking confirmation on the road’s private benefits. Tensions peaked when Aleem Khan branded committee members “blackmailers and dishonest,” drawing sharp protests.
Offended, Palwasha vowed to escalate to party leadership. After Chairman Senator Pervaiz Rashid stepped in, the minister apologized—but she rejected it.
Outside Parliament House, Palwasha told reporters: “If public money builds a road, why can’t we ask if it’s aiding private business?” She criticized the minister’s demeanor as emblematic of Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet attitude.
