A heated altercation occurred on Wednesday between Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeezur Rehman and Senator Aimal Wali Khan during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology.
The confrontation escalated when the PTA chairman accused Senator Aimal Wali of being under the influence of drugs, sarcastically remarking, “Give me some too.” The comment infuriated Senator Aimal, who responded angrily, “Who gave you the audacity to speak to me in this manner? How can a government official accuse me of using drugs? This is completely unacceptable.”
Senator Aimal strongly objected to the PTA chairman’s conduct, stating, “If you use hashish and alcohol, then say such things yourself.” He demanded action against Hafeez ur Rehman, asserting, “Either the PTA Chairman stays in this meeting, or I do.”
Following the tense exchange, the PTA Chairman was compelled to leave the session.
Though Hafeezur Rehman later apologised, admitting his mistake, Senator Aimal rejected the apology, saying the matter was too serious to be resolved so easily.
Senate Committee Chairman Agha Shahzaib Durrani condemned the PTA Chairman’s behaviour, stating, “The PTA Chairman has insulted this committee.” He vowed to raise the issue with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and demand action against the official.
Durrani also instructed the Secretary for Information Technology to take notice of the incident and ensure appropriate disciplinary measures are taken.
Several other committee members also expressed regret over the PTA chairman’s conduct and voiced solidarity with Senator Aimal Wali Khan.
