Report: Parliamentary Reporter ANI :
ISLAMABAD –The Senate session, chaired by Acting Chairman Syedal Khan Nasir, commenced at 10:45 am on Friday. During Question Hour, ministers responded to questions concerning various ministries.
Leader of the Opposition Senator Allama Nasir Abbas warned that tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb could aggravate the global energy crisis. He highlighted shortages of flour and LPG, increasing power outages and concerns over the government’s handling of provincial affairs. He also questioned the expansion of emergency measures from five to 12 districts and sought details of arrests made in connection with terrorism.
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman expressed concern over Pakistan’s petrol supplies until December and sought clarity on possible fuel rationing and the government’s plans for February. She warned that LPG shortages could affect Islamabad, the northern areas and other provinces. She also questioned the use of the carbon levy collected on petroleum products and called for parliamentary briefings on future energy requirements and environmental protection.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice raised by Senator Muhammad of the National Party, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the federal government was prepared to release Rs65 billion in outstanding compensation to affected people in South Waziristan, where Rs117 billion had already been distributed.
He said a fresh survey had assessed housing damage, with compensation fixed at Rs400,000 for fully destroyed houses and Rs160,000 for partially damaged houses. The special audit of compensation distribution had been completed, with one Departmental Accounts Committee meeting remaining. The outstanding funds would be released after approval by the SAFRON Committee, he added. Chaudhry also referred to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s additional one per cent share under the NFC Award and cautioned against politicising the matter.
Later, PTI Senator Falak Naz Chitrali pointed out a lack of quorum. As the required quorum was not present, the Acting Chairman adjourned the House until Monday, October 26, at 4:00 pm.
