Senate Opposition Leader Moves Against Barakahu SHO Over Conduct
Senate Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas has filed a privilege motion against the Station House Officer of Islamabad’s Barakahu police station, accusing him of discourteous conduct and obstruction during movement near a police checkpoint. The matter surfaced on Tuesday and has added a fresh political dimension to tensions surrounding opposition activity linked to Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the motion, Abbas said he was travelling toward his residence in Satra Meel, Islamabad, when he was stopped at a police checkpoint in Barakahu. He alleged that the road had been blocked and that the SHO, Sub-Inspector Naeem-ul-Hassan, approached his vehicle with a large police contingent before refusing him passage.
The opposition leader stated that he identified himself as a member of Parliament and as the leader of the opposition in the Senate. He also informed the officer that his residence was only around two kilometres away from the checkpoint, but claimed that the explanation was ignored and that he was treated in an insulting manner.
In the motion submitted under the Senate’s rules and addressed to Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani, Abbas argued that the conduct of the SHO and accompanying police personnel amounted to a breach of privilege. He said such behaviour obstructed a senator from carrying out his duties and undermined the dignity attached to elected public office.
The incident is linked to a wider opposition confrontation with authorities after a high-level delegation of Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan was stopped from travelling to Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation, led by National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, had announced plans to join a sit-in in Rawalakot.
The group reportedly included Abbas, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, TTAP spokesperson Hussain Ahmad Yousafzai and Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry, counsel for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan. Police officials at the time said they were acting on directions from senior officers and could not allow the delegation to proceed.
Privilege motions are a formal parliamentary tool used when lawmakers believe their constitutional or legislative rights have been violated. If the Senate chairman admits the motion, the issue may be referred to the Senate Privileges Committee, which can summon officials, examine evidence and recommend disciplinary or legal action.
The case carries political importance because it combines questions of parliamentary privilege, policing powers and opposition mobility during a period of heightened political mobilisation. It also raises concerns over how authorities manage checkpoints and protest-related restrictions when senior elected representatives are involved.
The next step will depend on whether the Senate leadership takes up the motion and refers it for committee review. If the matter proceeds, police officials may be asked to explain who ordered the road closure, why the senator was stopped, and whether official conduct at the checkpoint breached parliamentary privilege.