Senate opposition stages walkout over mistreatment of farmers in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The joint opposition in the Senate on Friday staged a token walkout in protest over torture of farmers in Islamabad, soon after Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presented budget documents in the upper house.

The farmers belonging to the Pakistan Kissan Ittehad gathered at Islamabad's D-Chowk on Friday afternoon to protest against the government for not providing them "due rights."

The agitated peasants pelted stones at policemen, who had assembled to stop them from venturing further. Subsequently, the police used tear gas and water canon to disperse the protesters.

The issue echoed in the Senate with opposition lawmakers staging a token walkout from the upper house, while presentation of budget documents by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. Members of the opposition chanted 'Go Nawaz Go' as they walked out of the hall.

They, however, returned to the house after a brief period.

Speaking on the floor of Senate, Ishaq Dar said he felt disappointed with opposition's behaviour, adding, "This isn't mine or PML-N's budget. At least, this should not be politicised."

"Previously, it was being said that Pakistan is heading towards bankruptcy, but now it is said that Pakistan would be one of major world economies in next 12 years," he said, urging that there should be no politics on economy and everyone should be united on it.

He was responded to by Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani, who termed opposition's walkout a parliamentary tradition.

Senator Taj Haider said today the farmers protesting in Islamabad were subjected to cruel treatment. Accusing the government of manhandling protesting kisans, Azam Swati vowed countrywide protests by his party (PTI) against torture of peasants.

Senator Sirajul Haq lambasted the government saying that "it took their blood instead of giving them water". He demanded the government to apologise the farmers for its mistreatment of them.

Senator Aajiz Dhamrah said the government, instead of terrorists, has been taking action against peasants.

Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani said nearly hundred peasants are currently detained and urged Leader of the House to facilitate their release.