The treasury held the upper hand as opposition parties continued to engage in discussions in the Senate on the matter of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf protest on November 26.

Government and allied members took a strong stance against the opposition during the session.

Contrary to the conciliatory speeches made on Wednesday, both government and opposition benches exchanged harsh criticisms. Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani expressed discontent over the late arrival of ministers at the session.

PTI Senator Ali Zafar opened his speech with criticism of the government’s actions during the November 26 protest. In response, government coalition member Sherry Rehman stated that the government does not wish to resort to violence, but accused the opposition of inciting it. “We condemn violence, but you must apologise first,” she asserted.

Opposition Senator Mohsin Aziz also called on the government to extend a hand for reconciliation, to which Senator Talal Chaudhry from the government benches retorted, “What kind of reconciliation? Look at your behaviour.” He added, “You used to say we won’t shake hands with thieves; are we no longer thieves now that talks of negotiations are being discussed?”

While participating in the debate, PTI leader Dost Muhammad Khan of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) said that they were not terrorists but rather “patriotic citizens” of the country. “Our forefathers rendered supreme sacrifices for this country,” he added.

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PPP leader Jam Muhammad said that the masses were looking to the August fora (Senate and National Assembly) to resolve their issues. “We have acumen leadership in the country and the issues should be settled through reconciliation,” he said.

Issues could not be resolved by use of force rather it further aggravated a peaceful environment, he said and added that law and order in Balochistan were “vitiated” by the use of force.

Awami National Party leader Aimal Wali Khan criticised PTI for using protests as “propaganda and subsequently seeking negotiations.” He addressed the government’s actions as well. Following such heated exchanges, the Senate session was adjourned until Friday at 10:30am.