Opposition leader seeks explanation over Senate live stream 'suspension'; Minister denies govt role

ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas on Tuesday condemned what he described as the “suspension” of live broadcasts of the upper house proceedings and demanded clarity on who ordered the move.

Speaking on the Senate floor, the opposition leader—appointed with the backing of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)—claimed that live streaming was at times halted during certain speeches without explanation. “The Senate is a constitutional institution. We need clarification on who ordered the suspension of the broadcast,” he said.

Responding to the remarks, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar said the matter fell within the prerogative of the Senate of Pakistan and that the government had no role in it. “Only the Chairman of the Senate can issue such rulings,” he stated, adding that freedom of speech is subject to constitutional limits.

The issue comes weeks after the official YouTube channel of the National Assembly of Pakistan appeared inaccessible, with live proceedings not visible online. At the time, the National Assembly Secretariat attributed the disruption to a temporary technical fault and denied any deliberate attempt to halt parliamentary coverage.

Separately, Allama Abbas raised concerns about the health of PTI founder Imran Khan, calling it an important matter. He proposed forming a delegation of senators to visit the hospital and personally assess the situation. He also said the former prime minister did not intend to seek release from jail through any deal.

The law minister told the House that Imran Khan’s health was “satisfactory” and that there was no cause for alarm. He said his statement was issued after consultation with the Executive Director of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).

Tarar said the former premier was taken to PIMS as per schedule and with his consent. A medical board comprising four specialist doctors, including Dr Nadeem from Al-Shifa Eye Hospital and Prof Arif from PIMS, conducted a detailed examination. Following consultations, the PTI founder received a second dose of his prescribed eye treatment.

Regarding demands for Imran Khan’s release, the minister maintained that he is a convicted prisoner and that only the courts have the authority to order his release.