Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani, seemingly frustrated by the continued absence of senators from the Upper House, registered his protest on Friday by suspending his official duties.

He had been visibly agitated during Senate proceedings and had commented strongly on the low attendance.

He also expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government's performance, saying that if there were any reservations within the government regarding his performance they should be brought on record.

He added that if the government would not let him exercise his authority, then he had no business holding the Senate chairman's position and should be asked to resign.

Rabbani proceeded to postpone his official tour to Iran — scheduled to commence on April 15 — and left the Senate in his own car instead of his official vehicle, leaving behind his security detail amidst protests from the Senate secretary.