Senate Uproar Over Civil Awards Distribution Among Government Officials; Opposition Demands Transparency

Islamabad: The Senate session witnessed strong protests from opposition members over the distribution of civil awards among government ministers and allies, raising serious questions about the criteria behind the honors.
The session, presided over by Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani, began with the announcement that several government figures received civil awards on August 14. Awardees included Ishaq Dar, Mohsin Naqvi, Musadik Malik, Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Faisal Sabzwari. Others named were Sherry Rehman, Bushra Anjum, Ahad Cheema, Irfan Siddiqui, and Sarmad Ali—some of whom will receive their awards on March 23, 2026.
Opposition senators immediately voiced their objections. Senator Falak Naz questioned what accomplishments led to Atta Tarar receiving the award, while Senator Humayun Mohmand sarcastically asked why Nawaz Sharif, “the architect of the war design,” was excluded.
Senator Faisal Javed criticized the disregard for PTI’s social media activists, saying, *“Our social media tigers exposed Indian propaganda day and night during the war of truth, yet they were ignored. You’ve devalued the significance of these awards.”*
Responding to criticism, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that martyrs, war veterans, and those whose homes were destroyed during the conflict were also honored. He added that senators receiving awards had represented Pakistan diplomatically abroad and praised PTI’s social media campaign efforts during the conflict.
The session also heated up over the absence of Quaid-e-Azam’s portrait in official Independence Day advertisements. Senator Faisal Javed raised the issue, calling it *“a matter of deep shame”* and demanding an explanation. PTI members brought a picture of Quaid-e-Azam to the Senate in protest, accusing the government of prioritizing images of its own leaders over the founder of Pakistan.
Law Minister Tarar admitted he was unaware of the omission and said it had hurt him as well. He promised an inquiry and assured the House that all institutions should honor the founder of the nation, calling Quaid-e-Azam the *“leader of our caravan.”*
The Senate unanimously passed a resolution marking Independence Day, recognizing it as the result of a long political struggle and paying tribute to the founders of Pakistan, the Constitution’s framers, and the armed forces.
Separately, PTI Senator Zeeshan Khanzada highlighted that while sentences are typically reduced on August 14, PTI leaders were instead being handed harsh punishments. He cited Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz’s sentencing as unjust retaliation for speaking the truth.
Senator Kamran Murtaza raised concerns over mobile and internet service shutdowns in 36 districts of Balochistan. He criticized the disruption of not only communication but also rail, road, and air services, calling it a blow to Pakistan’s international image.
In response, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry defended the actions, stating that internet blackouts were limited to terrorism-affected areas for security reasons. *“If terrorism happens in Lahore, we don’t shut down Karachi’s internet,”* he said, emphasizing that targeted steps were being taken where necessary.
The session was adjourned until Monday at 5 PM.