ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeez ur Rehman has expressed regret over the incident that occurred during the Senate Functional Committee on Problems of Less Developed Areas meeting and clarified that he had no intention of being disrespectful or using unparliamentary language.
In a statement issued here on Thursday, he stated that upon returning to the room by Aimal Wali Khan, a light-hearted remark was exchanged with the senator. However, if any unintended offence was caused, he has already extended his unconditional apology before the committee.
The PTA chairman emphasized that he holds Senator Aimal Wali and his esteemed family in the highest regard and continues to respect all members of the Senate. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to uphold parliamentary decorum and to serve the nation within the bounds of law and official protocols. He also noted that his record reflects institutional performance and reform, and the campaign being run against him on social and political platforms is based purely on a misunderstanding. He believes the matter now calls for forbearance and a forward-looking approach in the national interest.