A sharp verbal confrontation between Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and PPP Senator Palwasha Khan unfolded during a parliamentary committee session, drawing attention to rising political friction within oversight forums.
The tense exchange occurred during a committee meeting reviewing infrastructure matters, where Senator Palwasha Khan raised objections over a road construction project in Lahore. She questioned whether the publicly funded project was designed to serve citizens at large or to disproportionately benefit a private housing society. Emphasising her role as a legislator, she maintained that seeking clarity on the use of public money was both her right and her responsibility.
The discussion quickly escalated when Minister Aleem Khan rejected the allegations and accused the senator of making misleading claims. The situation deteriorated into a heated verbal clash, with raised voices and repeated interruptions that disrupted proceedings and drew reactions from other committee members present.
Whom do you feel was more candid in their response in a recent feud
— Zorays Khalid (@zorayskhalid) December 19, 2025
Footage of the confrontation, later shared by journalist Murtaza Ali Shah on X, circulated widely on social media. The clip showed Aleem Khan repeatedly telling Palwasha Khan to “shut up,” an exchange that sharply contrasted with expectations of parliamentary decorum and triggered widespread debate online.
The incident rapidly became a talking point across political circles. Supporters of opposition parties praised Palwasha Khan for pressing accountability questions, while government allies defended Aleem Khan, arguing that development projects were being politicised. The episode also reignited broader discussions about transparency, conflict of interest, and the effectiveness of parliamentary committees in enforcing oversight.
Although no formal action was taken during the session, reports later indicated that Aleem Khan issued an apology to ease tensions. Despite this, critics argue that the core issue — scrutiny of public spending and governance standards — remains unresolved.
As parliamentary sessions continue, analysts and civil society voices are increasingly calling for restraint, professionalism, and constructive dialogue to ensure that legislative committees function as forums for accountability rather than arenas for confrontation.
