Political Tensions Escalate: PPP Walks Out of Senate and National Assembly, Demands Apology from PML-N Leadership

Islamabad: The **Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)** staged a walkout from both the **Senate and National Assembly** sessions, demanding an apology from the **PML-N leadership** over what it termed as “offensive and disrespectful remarks” against its top leaders.

During the Senate session chaired by the Chairman, **PPP Senator Sherry Rehman** criticized the growing tensions between the Punjab and Sindh governments, saying that the “war of words” between coalition partners was damaging the **federal government’s image**.

Rehman said, *“People are suffering from floods across Sindh and Punjab, but instead of supporting them, we are weakening each other. The use of the Punjab card has crossed red lines. Remarks about Bilawal Bhutto and Aseefa Bhutto are unacceptable.”*

She added that *“governments cannot survive by humiliating others — apologizing does not diminish anyone’s dignity.”* Rehman warned that if no apology was offered, the PPP should not be taken for granted. Following her remarks, **PPP senators tore up copies of the agenda and staged a walkout**.

In response, **Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar** said if anyone had been offended by the remarks, he regretted it as a political worker. He added that President **Asif Ali Zardari** would play a reconciliatory role to defuse tensions.

Senator **Ali Zafar (PTI)** also criticized both ruling parties, accusing them of political theatrics while millions of flood victims remained without aid. He remarked, *“The PPP and PML-N are competing over press conferences and photos, while people are starving under open skies.”*

His comments led to a **heated exchange between PTI and PML-N senators**, with both sides accusing each other of political manipulation and negligence in disaster response.

Later, **PTI senators also staged a walkout** after a verbal clash between Senator **Saifullah Abro** and the **Deputy Chairman Senate**, leading to adjournment of the session until **October 9**.

Meanwhile, in the **National Assembly**, the PPP once again protested. **Raja Pervaiz Ashraf** said that PPP’s leadership never made any anti-Punjab remarks, and accused some members of the ruling party of “irresponsible statements.”

After being denied a chance to speak initially, the PPP walked out of the session, also pointing out a **lack of quorum**, which was later confirmed by the Deputy Speaker, leading to **suspension of the proceedings**.

PTI’s **Asad Qaiser** reacted by urging PPP to “stop friendly fire” and instead join them in bringing a **no-confidence motion** against the government.

When the session resumed, quorum was again found incomplete, and the **National Assembly was adjourned until Thursday at 11 a.m.**