The first meeting of the Charter of Parliament Committee, formed to foster understanding, ended in conflict.
During the meeting, a heated exchange occurred between PTI members and Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, leading to Khawaja Asif walking out.
The Defense Minister announced his resignation from the committee during the meeting and demanded the session be ended.
At the start of the meeting, PTI members mentioned the alleged humiliating treatment and violence they faced during their arrests, prompting an outburst from Khawaja Asif, who remarked that PTI is now reaping what it sowed.
Khawaja Asif highlighted that the issues being discussed should have been addressed four years ago. He reminded the committee that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, during PTI’s tenure, was not allowed to speak to his critically ill wife, and questioned who falsely accused Rana Sanaullah of drug possession.
He also pointed out that a case was filed against his wife and son during the PTI era and accused PTI of having no remorse for their past actions, stating they were trying to blackmail the current government.
Following efforts to pacify him by Mahmood Achakzai, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and other members, Khawaja Asif returned to the meeting. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar requested suggestions from all participants by Monday.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman suggested holding the committee meeting in-camera, and Khursheed Shah supported his proposal.
