30% Agenda Items Left Over in 344th Session of the Senate

Highlights

  1. Five (5) Sittings convened over 12 hours and 01 minutes
  2. Two (2) Government Bills passed

Summary

The 344th session of the Senate, held from December 11-19, 2024, highlighted ongoing political challenges with key debates focusing on the PTI protest in Islamabad and violence in Kurram. Opposition Senators fiercely debated the government’s handling of the November 26 protest, condemning alleged human rights violations and demanding a judicial inquiry, while treasury benches emphasized the need for accountability and dialogue. The session also saw the passage of key legislation, including the National Forensics Agency Act, 2024, to combat cybercrimes. Additional discussions addressed the rising drug addiction crisis and attacks on journalists, reflecting the Senate’s engagement with critical issues amid political polarization.

Working Hours

The 344th Session of the Senate began on December 11, 2024 and was prorogued on December 19, 2024. Five (5) sittings were convened for a total of 12 hours and 01 minutes. The longest sitting was held for 3 hours and 12 minutes whereas the shortest sitting lasted only 1 hour and 37 minutes. The Schedule of the Sittings is given in Appendix A.

Figure 1: Working Hours

Agenda of the Session

30.53% of the agenda items were left over during the session. Details of the agenda items left over are given in Appendix B.

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Figure 2: Agenda of the Session

Quorum

Quorum was pointed out only once in 5 sittings. On December 16, 2024 the session was adjourned after quorum was pointed out by Senator Raja Nasir Abbas (Punjab, MWMP) and the house was not found to be in order after the count. 42 Senators were marked present for the sitting.

Attendance

On average, 60% of Senators were recorded as present during the session. Senator Syed Shibli Faraz, (KP, PTI), Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, attended 4 or 80% sittings. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Leader of the House (ICT, PML-N), Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, attended 1 or 20% of sittings of the 344nd session of the Senate. Prime Minister did not attend any of the 5 sittings.

Figure 3: Attendance

Top 5 Vocal Senators

Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab, PML-N), Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, and Human Rights, was the most vocal Senator during the session with a recorded talk time of 1 hours and 29 minutes. He was followed by Senator Syed Shibli Faraz, (KP, PTI), Leader of the Opposition, with a talk time of 35 minutes. Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, (ICT, PML-N), Leader of the House, spoke for 29 minutes. Senator Syed Ali Zafar, (Punjab, PTI), spoke for 27 minutes while Senator Sherry Rehman (Sindh, PPPP) spoke for 26 minutes.

Figure 4: Top 5 Vocal Senators

Legislation

Two (2) Government Bills were passed in the Session.

The Legal Aid and Justice Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was introduced in the House by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab, PML-N), Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, and Human Rights on October 29, 2024 and was referred to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice. The Committee presented its report on December 11, 2024 based on which the law was passed. The bill aims to enhance the provision of free legal aid to underprivileged individuals. The primary amendment transfers administrative control of the Legal Aid and Justice Authority (LAJA) from the Ministry of Human Rights to the Ministry of Law and Justice. This shift is intended to leverage the institutional linkages of the Law and Justice Division with other legal officers, commissions, bar councils, and associations, thereby enabling LAJA to fulfil its mandate more effectively. After clause-by-clause consideration, the bill was passed by the House on December 13, 2024.

The National Forensics Agency Bill, 2024 was introduced by Senator Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi (Punjab, Independent), Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, on October 17, 2024 and referred to Standing Committee on Interior. The Committee submitted its report on December 11, 2024 based on which the law was passed. The bill aims to transform the National Forensics Agency (NFA) project into an independent agency to enhance forensic capabilities across the country. It seeks to integrate digital and cyber forensics to combat crimes involving electronic devices, deepfakes, and other electronic offenses. By establishing a centralized and autonomous body, the legislation intends to standardize forensic services, address inconsistencies, and provide support to all provinces. After clause-by-clause consideration, the bill was passed by the House on December 13, 2024. It became an Act of Parliament on December 24, 2024.

Private Member Bills Introduced

No Private Member bill was introduced in 344th Session of Senate.

Figure 5: Legislation

Ordinances

No ordinance was laid during the Session.

Resolutions

One (1) resolution was passed by the House condemning Israel’s ongoing violations of international law and human rights against Palestinians. The resolution was moved by Senator Sherry Rehman, (Sindh, PPPP) on December 12, 2024. It highlighted systemic impunity in Israel’s actions, including military aggression in Palestine and Syria, the killing of 249 UNRWA staff, and the destruction of critical infrastructure in Gaza. The resolution noted over 44,000 Palestinian deaths, including women and children, and condemned attacks on journalists and essential facilities. It criticized Israeli legislative efforts to undermine UNRWA’s humanitarian mandate, which impacts Palestinian refugees’ access to vital services. Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital, the Senate called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for war crimes, protect Palestinian lives, and ensure compliance with international humanitarian law to achieve peace and justice in the region. The resolution was passed unanimously by the House.

Analysis

One of the key issues discussed during the 344th session of Senate was the PTI dharna of November 26 and its containment by the government. While there is a discrepancy on the number of unfortunate deaths, [1] the government’s response to the political demonstration infuriated opposition Senators who also denounced the use of force against protesters and called for a judicial investigation into the deaths.

Senator Syed Shibli Faraz, (KP, PTI) Opposition Leader, claimed that at least 13 protesters had been killed and numerous others injured when bullets were fired straight at who he termed as “non-violent” demonstrators. “Whereabouts of over 200 PTI activists are unknown. We do not know if they are alive or dead,” he added. Senator Faraz claimed that the PTI’s mandate was stolen through GE 2024 and expressed anger that the “illegitimate government” was drafting laws that were not democratic in the slightest and proposing contentious constitutional revisions. However, he highlighted that despite all this, his party believed in dialogue and added that former PM Imran Khan had nominated a five-person negotiating team prepared to speak with anyone. “This tension, instability, and uncertainty cannot be tolerated by the nation for much longer. This is not possible given our economic situation,” he added. [2]

Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, (ICT, PML-N), Leader of the House responded by emphasizing that criticizing the federal administration was never the solution. If the PTI had any proof of the protest deaths, he argued, it ought to present it.[3] He claimed that even if one person died as a result of the alleged use of live ammunition and the murder of demonstrators, the government of the period would still be held accountable. He added that although the security forces did use aerial firing in accordance with a briefing provided to the government, chaos was caused by the PTI leadership’s escape from the location which was shown on camera. Senator Dar mocked the PTI’s ability to “spread false propaganda” and that the party had mastered the art of producing fake news on social media. He did, however, positively respond to the PTI’s offer of dialogue on a “shared agenda” and expressed hope to find a “middle ground” through dialogue. [4]

Senator Syed Ali Zafar (Punjab, PTI) also criticized the government’s conduct in dealing with political protestors and claimed that security personnel had “indiscriminately fired” at protestors. The government, he demanded, should “apologise” for its actions. In discussing the proposal of the PTI’s dialogue with the federal government, he said that building confidence was critically important for dialogue because many of the PTI workers were still arrested.

Senator Sherry Rehman (Sindh, PPPP) believed however that even though the PPPP has always supported political dialogue for resolving issues, the PTI was still opposed to the concept. She criticised that while the PTI claimed to be interested in freedom, their true goal was “immunity from justice for a single individual.” [5]

Senator Muhammad Tallal Badar (Punjab, PML-N) asked what reconciliation the PTI demanded through political dialogue.

Senator Dost Muhammad Khan (KP, PTI) claimed that the PTI consisted of “patriotic citizens” and not terrorists.

Senator Aimal Wali Khan (Balochistan, ANP) criticized the PTI for using protests as “propaganda” only to seek “negotiations.” [6]

Senator Aon Abbas (Punjab, PTI) said that the PTI would not sacrifice its integrity for the sake of dialogue. If the government made fun of the PTI’s offer of dialogue, “there would be no negotiations.” He insisted that the events of November 26 should be looked into by a judicial inquiry. He also criticised the government and claimed that each time the PTI announced a protest, the government invites a foreign dignitary. “They invite only those people who no one in the world invites,” he added. In response to his demand that the Chairman Senate should issue a production order for former Senator Ijaz, Chairman Senate said that the House has forwarded the subject to the provincial administration, and the Law and Interior ministries and the government was “seriously considering it.” [7]

Criticising Senator Aon’s assertions, Senator Manzoor Ahmed (Balochistan, BAP) said that the PTI was angry today because it was not being “adopted” by the establishment as before. He also added that the PTI is disparaging Pakistan and added that Pakistan has not reached a state where no foreign dignitary would not wish to visit. He also criticised the PTI for reaping what it sowed in terms of the PTI government’s treatment towards the then-opposition.[8]

Responding to a motion introduced by Senator Kamran Murtaza(Balochistan, JUIP) about addressing a concerning rise in heroin addiction nationwide, especially in Islamabad, Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab, PML-N) informed the Senate that 132.62 metric tons of drugs had been seized in Pakistan until November 2024. Senator Tarar said that “our institutions’ performance is far superior to that of other regional nations and that the conviction rate is a very respectably high 85%.” The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) was busting large organizations engaged in this abhorrent industry. Senator Kamran also added that in order to treat addicts, rehabilitation facilities need to be located in every city. He also advocated for the use of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to help drug addicts get back on their feet.[9]

Senator Jam Saifullah Khan (Sindh, PPPP) brought up the use of anonymous social media accounts to run campaigns targeting senior journalists including Syed Talat Hussain and Mr. Muzamil Hussain Shah. Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the House that the PM had chaired a meeting where treatment of journalists due to their political beliefs was brought to light and added that the government was responsible for taking action against those who violate citizens’ rights. Senator Irfan ul Haq Siddiqui (Punjab, PML-N) expressed dismay that a new tendency of stifling dissenting opinions in complete disrespect for democratic norms had begun in recent years. He made an oblique reference to the PTI when he claimed that a party had, when it was in power, methodically forced these journalists out of their jobs by applying pressure to their respective organizations. “Such strategies are ineffective, and the voice of truth cannot be silenced,” he added.[10]

The topic of violence and sexual episodes in certain unregistered seminaries was brought up by Senator Samina Mumtaz (Balochistan, BAP) during question hour and she claimed that rape instances were also documented in madrassas and that unregistered madrasas had unqualified lecturers. She also highlighting the necessity of management of madressahs. In response, Ministry of Education shared that 2,249,520 students are enrolled in 17,738 registered madrassas. Punjab has 664,065 pupils, Sindh has 188,182, Balochistan has 71,815, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has 1,283,024, Azad Kashmir has 26,787, Islamabad has 11,301, and Gilgit-Baltistan has 4,346 students. While the Directorate General of Religious Education (DGRE) supplied more than 1,000 trained teachers to 598 registered madrasas, the ministry claimed that these madrasas did not get any direct support.[11] It was also mentioned 598 madrassas have received 1,196 teachers from the DGRE.[12]

Furthermore, Senator Raja Nasir Abbas (Punjab, MWMP) called on the federal and provincial governments to take action about the crisis in Kurram, Parachinar and accused the federal and provincial administrations of failing to take appropriate action even after innocent people had been killed. He informed the House that during his personal visit, he saw no sectarian strife and that the people there were united. He did, however, ask why those behind the murders and the attacks that followed were not taken into custody and criticized the federal and provincial governments.[13]

Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, answered in the absence of the Federal Interior Minister and shared stating that Kurram was a provincial issue, though he promised federal assistance, if needed.[14]

Time consumed on Discussion of Policy Issues

The quality of the time used during the Senate session can be gauged by analysing the time consumed on discussing key issues of democratic governance. The most important policy discussion was on the security issues and terrorist activities in Balochistan. The time dedicated on discussion of this issue lasted for 6 hours and 02 minutes.[15]

References

  1. “PTI confirms 12 killed in Islamabad protest despite earlier claims of higher death toll,” Express Tribune online, November 29, 2024, accessed December 22, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2512724/pti-confirms-12-deaths-in-islamabad-protest-despite-earlier-claims-of-higher-death-toll. ↑
  2. Iftikhar A. Khan, “Opposition, govt trade barbs in Senate but agree dialogue is way forward,” Dawn online, December 12, 2024, accessed December 15, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1878219 ↑
  3. “PTI raises ‘protest killings’ issue,” The Express Tribune online, December 12, 2024, accessed December 16, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2515450/pti-raises-protest-killings-issue. ↑
  4. Iftikhar A. Khan, “Opposition, govt trade barbs in Senate but agree dialogue is way forward,” Dawn online, December 12, 2024, accessed December 15, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1878219. ↑
  5. Iftikhar A. Khan, “Govt, PTI recriminations mar Senate session for second day,” Dawn online, December 13, 2024, accessed December 18, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1878383. ↑
  6. Naveed Akbar, “Tensions rise again after reconciliation speeches in Senate,” Aaj News online, December 13, 2024, accessed December 17, 2024. https://english.aaj.tv/news/330392940/tensions-rise-again-after-reconciliation-speeches-in-senate. ↑
  7. “Gandapur vows to avenge slain workers,” The Express Tribune online, December 15, 2024, accessed December 17, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2516087/gandapur-vows-to-avenge-slain-workers. ↑
  8. “November 26 incident echoes in Senate,” The Express Tribune online, December 14, 2024, accessed December 18, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2515897/november-26-incident-echoes-in-senate. ↑
  9. “Pak seizes 132.62 metric tons narcotics by this year so far: Senate told,” APP online, December 16, 2024, accessed December 18, 2024. https://www.app.com.pk/national/pak-seizes-132-62-metric-tons-narcotics-by-this-year-so-far-senate-told/. ↑
  10. Imran Mutkhar, “Inquiry ordered into social media trolling of journalists, Senate told,” The Nation online, December 17, 2024, accesed December 20, 2024. https://www.nation.com.pk/17-Dec-2024/inquiry-ordered-into-social-media-trolling-of-journalists-senate-told. ↑
  11. Naeem Asghar, “2.2m students enrolled in madrassas,” The Express Tribune online, December 20, 2024, accessed December 22, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2517179/22m-students-enrolled-in-madrassas. ↑
  12. Mumtaz Alvi, “Steps under way to mainstream madrasas, Azam Tarar informs Senate,” The News online, December 20, 2024, accessed December 22, 2024. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1263479-steps-under-way-to-mainstream-madrasas-azam-tarar-informs-senate. ↑
  13. Naeem Asghar, “2.2m students enrolled in madrassas,” The Express Tribune online, December 20, 2024, accessed December 22, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2517179/22m-students-enrolled-in-madrassas ↑
  14. Ibid. ↑
  15. It must be noted that PILDAT has classified that a policy issue is such that involves any legislation or a

    recommendation on devising a policy. ↑