Islamabad, 21 May, 2025: PTA Chairman Hafeez-ur-Rehman found himself at the centre of a storm during a heated exchange with Awami National Party (ANP) leader Senator Aimal Wali Khan at a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom.
According to sources, tensions flared when the PTA Chairman reportedly made a controversial remark implying that Senator Aimal Wali Khan had consumed narcotics prior to the session.
In a mocking tone, he was alleged to have said, “Give me a hashish cigarette too,” while addressing the committee’s chairman a comment that triggered a strong reaction from the senator.
Visibly angered, Senator Khan questioned how a civil servant could speak to an elected representative in such a manner.
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He called the remark offensive and demanded immediate accountability. “This behaviour is unacceptable,” he stated, accusing the PTA Chairman of crossing all professional boundaries.
In an attempt to defuse the situation, Hafeez-ur-Rehman reportedly admitted his mistake and repeatedly apologized.
However, Senator Khan remained adamant, urging the committee to take strict action and declaring that either he or the official would remain in the meeting implying both could not coexist in the same room.
Committee Chairman Agha Shahzeb Durrani expressed his dismay at the incident, stating that the conduct not only disrespected Senator Khan but also undermined the dignity of the entire Standing Committee.
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Durrani announced that the issue would be formally raised with the Prime Minister, calling for disciplinary measures.
In addition, the Standing Committee instructed the Secretary of IT to look into the matter and ensure that appropriate steps are taken to uphold decorum within parliamentary forums.
As the situation escalated, the PTA Chairman was compelled to leave the meeting—an unusual but symbolic outcome in a session marked by high drama and calls for accountability at the highest level.
