Sehar Kamran walks out after clash with Tarar

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 22 July 2026 |  JP Staff Report

Senator Sehar Kamran said she walked out of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting after Information Minister Attaullah Tarar allegedly shouted and interrupted her while she pressed questions on PTV, recruitment, delayed salaries and a budget rise from Rs12bn to Rs14.5bn.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Sehar Kamran has alleged that Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar shouted at her during a meeting of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting after she questioned the increase in the ministry's budget and sought answers on several pending issues.

The senator made the remarks during an interview with Munizae Jehangir on Aaj TV's Spotlight, explaining the circumstances behind a widely shared video showing her walking out of the committee meeting on Tuesday. She also elaborated on the incident in a post on X, saying she left the meeting in protest over what she described as the minister's "inappropriate and confrontational attitude" when she raised questions relating to parliamentary oversight and the ministry's performance.

Senator details reasons for protest

According to Kamran, the confrontation began when she sought an explanation for the ministry's budget increasing from Rs12 billion to Rs14.5 billion. She said she also questioned the ministry's hiring process, the business plan for Pakistan Television (PTV), and the prolonged delay in salaries for PTV employees.

The senator said Tarar reacted angrily to her questions, accusing her of suffering from a "PTV phobia." She said the minister questioned the committee chairman about the conduct of the meeting, referred to PTV's broadcast of the FIFA World Cup, and did not allow her to complete her remarks. Kamran said she decided to leave the meeting after concluding that she would not be permitted to discuss all agenda items.

Committee oversight questioned

Kamran also criticized the committee's functioning, noting that it had convened after a gap of six months. She said she was told the delay was part of government austerity measures, an explanation she rejected because other National Assembly standing committees had continued to meet during the same period. She noted that the committee's previous meeting had been held on February 17.

She further questioned the status of a subcommittee established during the previous meeting to examine PTV's affairs and recommend measures to improve its financial performance and operations. According to Kamran, no report from that subcommittee was included in the latest meeting's agenda. She also said she received no satisfactory explanation regarding the ministry's expanding number of projects.

Minister responded during meeting

The minister responded during the committee proceedings, according to Kamran's account, rejecting her criticism and challenging her remarks about PTV. However, Tarar did not issue any public statement following the meeting addressing the senator's subsequent allegations made on X or during her television interview.

Video circulating on social media captured Kamran leaving the committee room while stating that she would never compromise on her self-respect, bringing further public attention to the dispute.

WHY THIS MATTERS: The incident underscores the importance of parliamentary oversight of media institutions, particularly at a time when questions are being raised about public broadcasters, ministry spending, and governance. For journalists and media professionals, the episode also highlights how scrutiny of media policy and state-owned broadcasters can become politically contentious, reinforcing the need for transparent committee proceedings and accountability.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting by JournalismPakistan, based on publicly available statements by Senator Sehar Kamran on X, her interview on Aaj TV's Spotlight, and National Assembly committee information published on July 22, 2026.

PHOTO: Senator Sehar Kamran (Instagram)