Senate Debates Rising Poverty and Detention of PTI Women Leaders

ISLAMABAD: The Senate session on Friday erupted in heated exchanges regarding the alarming rise in poverty levels, the health and detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) women leaders, including Noreen Niazi, and concerns over alleged extrajudicial killings in the capital.

PTI parliamentary leader Senator Ali Zafar highlighted a World Bank report indicating that 48 percent of the region’s population living below the poverty line resides in Pakistan. He stated, “According to the poverty index, those earning less than three dollars are below the poverty line. This is a failure of our government. Inflation has increased and its impact is reaching the poor.” Zafar emphasized the lack of basic amenities, such as drinking water and secondary schools, criticizing the government’s focus on political maneuvers rather than addressing these pressing issues.

The treatment of Noreen Niazi, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, was also a focal point of the debate. Senator Mohsin Aziz demanded proper medical treatment and family access for her, questioning the rationale behind her detention. The discussions reflect a broader concern about the government’s handling of political dissent and the implications for civil liberties in Pakistan.

As the Senate continues to grapple with these issues, the political landscape remains tense, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the imposition of governor’s rule has raised further questions about governance and accountability. Upcoming sessions are expected to address these matters more thoroughly, with calls for investigations into the treatment of detained activists and the rising poverty crisis.