Islamabad: A heated confrontation erupted between Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeezur Rehman and Senator Aimal Wali Khan during a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology on Wednesday, leading to sharp exchanges and the eventual removal of the PTA chairman from the meeting.
Tensions escalated when Hafeezur Rehman allegedly accused Senator Aimal of being under the influence of drugs, making a sarcastic remark: “Give me some too.” The comment sparked immediate outrage from Senator Aimal, who responded furiously, “Who gave you the right to speak to me like that? How can a government official accuse a senator of drug use? This is completely unacceptable.”
Senator Aimal condemned the chairman’s behavior, stating, “If you use hashish or alcohol, that’s your issue — don’t project that onto others.” He demanded disciplinary action, insisting, “Either the PTA chairman remains in the room, or I do.”
Following the outburst, the PTA chairman was asked to leave the meeting. Though he later issued an apology, acknowledging his inappropriate remarks, Senator Aimal refused to accept it, describing the incident as too serious to be dismissed with a mere apology.
Senate Committee Chairman Agha Shahzaib Durrani condemned the PTA chairman’s behavior, declaring, “He has insulted this committee.” Durrani announced that the matter would be taken up with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and called for immediate action against the official. He also directed the Secretary for Information Technology to formally investigate the incident and ensure appropriate disciplinary measures are implemented.
Several members of the committee also voiced solidarity with Senator Aimal, expressing regret over the PTA chairman’s conduct and reaffirming the need to uphold decorum and accountability in official proceedings.
