A Senate session occurred in Islamabad on Thursday, chaired by Deputy Chairman Syedul Khan. Tensions escalated between the opposition and the chair regarding the apprehension of Senator Aon Abbas Buppi.

Opposition members, led by Senator Shibli Faraz, vocally condemned the arrest, alleging it was politically motivated, and demanded an explanation from the Law Minister regarding the circumstances and potential release of Senator Buppi.
The session intensified when Senator Manzoor Kakar confronted Deputy Chairman Syedul Khan, denouncing the chair’s behavior and claiming that senators are not subordinates. The Deputy Chairman reaffirmed his dedication to adhering to legal norms during the session.

In the middle of the commotion, opposition members executed a walkout in protest at Senator Buppi’s arrest and the perceived erosion of the Senate’s authority. Senator Shibli Faraz highlighted concerns over the lack of respect for the Senate’s proceedings, referencing unaddressed production orders for detained senators and pending resignations, such as that of Sania Nishtar.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the chamber about the apprehension of Senator Buppi by Bahawalpur police on allegations of illegal hunting of Chinkara deer. He assured the Senate that he had requested a comprehensive report on the incident and would ensure that all legal assistance is provided to the detained senator.

The session further devolved into disorder when opposition senators, including Aon Abbas Buppi, Humayun Mohmand, and Falak Naz Chitrali, protested near the chairman’s dais, leading to their suspension for the remainder of the session by Deputy Chairman Syedul Khan. The opposition’s chants demanding the return of Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani and the resignation of the Deputy Chairman underscored the deepening rift within the Senate.

The event underscores the escalating tensions between the opposition and the administration, prompting apprehensions regarding the efficacy and decorum of legislative procedures in Pakistan.

A critical water crisis endangers Sindh province, as the Irrigation Department has sent a concerning circular indicating that major dams are nearing total depletion within days.

Official papers from the Sindh Irrigation Department indicate that both Mangla and Tarbela dams are projected to deplete entirely within the next 4-5 days, resulting in potentially disastrous conditions throughout the province.

Officials report that the impacts of the drought are already evident in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and other cities across Sindh.

“The insufficient precipitation in the ongoing Rabi season 2024-25 has resulted in water reserves declining to perilous levels,” declared the department’s circular. As of March 3, 2025, Tarbela Dam holds just 0.102 million acre-feet of water, while Mangla Dam contains only 0.226 million acre-feet.

The document further warns that water shortages could exceed 50 percent for the remainder of March and into the beginning of the next season, significantly impacting agricultural production and drinking water supplies across the region.

Officials have advocated for “a systematic planning approach for equitable distribution of available water” to address the situation, indicating that rationing measures may soon be enacted.

Edible oils, such as cooking and mustard oils, experienced a significant price increase, with the price of open edible oil escalating from Rs480 to Rs500 per litre.

A local merchant reported, “Mustard oil has risen in price by Rs20 per litre, now costing Rs520.”

Different brands of cooking oil were noted to be priced variably in Karachi’s markets, indicative of the prevailing inflationary trend in food products.

The escalation in edible oil prices corresponded with the surging costs of fruits, prompting consumer apprehension around heightened expenditures during Ramadan.