331st Session concluded with Rapid Legislative Activity

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331st Session concluded with Rapid Legislative Activity

Highlights

  1. The Senate met for 28 hours and 47 minutes in 9 Sittings
  2. Average time per sitting recorded at 03 hours and 11 minutes
  3. Longest sitting held for 5 hours and 12 minutes; Shortest sitting lasted for 01 hour and 20 minutes
  4. Each sitting started with an average delay of 07 minutes
  5. Fifty-Five (55) bills passed by the Senate in 3311st Session

The 3311st session of the Senate began on July 24 and was prorogued on August 09, 2023. Nine (9) sittings were held spanning 9 days. Schedule of the sittings during the session is given in Appendix A.

Working Hours

The 3311st Session of the Senate met for 28 hours and 47 minutes with an average duration of 03 hours and 11 minutes per sitting. The longest sitting of the session was held on Friday, August 04 when the House was adjourned after meeting for 5 hours and 12 minutes. The shortest sitting was held on Tuesday, July 25 when the House was adjourned after meeting for only 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The average delay in starting a sitting was 07 minutes during the session.

Agenda Items Left Over

On average 7.04% agenda items were left over during the 3311st session.

Quorum

During the session on August 4th, 2023, quorum was pointed out and the house was found to be not in quorum. After five minutes of recounting, the house was confirmed to be in order.

Attendance

Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Leader of the House (Punjab, PML-N) attended 4 or 44% sittings. Senator Dr. Shahzad Waseem, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate (Punjab, PTI) did not attend any sitting. On average, only 61 or 61% Senators were recorded as present during the 3311st session.

Top 5 Vocal Senators

Senator Shahadat Awan (Sindh, PPPP) was the most vocal Senator during 3311st session with a recorded talk time 01 hour and 44 minutes. He was followed by Senator Mushtaq Ahmed (KP, JIP) who spoke for 01 hour and 37 minutes. Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab, PML-N) Federal Minister for Law and Justice, spoke for 1 hour and 33 minutes during the session. Senator Saifullah Abro (Sindh, PTI) spoke 1 hour and 04 minutes. Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Leader of the House (Punjab, PML-N) spoke for 56 minutes.

Legislation

During the 331st session, the Senate passed a total of fifty-five (55) bills. Among these, fifteen (15) bills originated in the Senate, while forty (40) bills originated in the National Assembly. Additionally, within the Senate-originated bills, ten (10) were government bills, and five (5) were private members’ bills. Only 21 of them were referred to the concerned committees.

No ordinance was laid or extended during the session.

The Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act, 2023 proposed that anyone revealing or facilitating the disclosure of information obtained in an official capacity, which is or may be harmful to the security and interests of Pakistan or its armed forces, will be subject to punishment. The prescribed penalty included rigorous imprisonment for a duration that may extend up to five years. Moreover, the bill suggested the inclusion of Section 26-B, which prohibits any individual bound by the Army Act from participating in any form of political involvement for two years following their “retirement, release, resignation, discharge, removal, or dismissal from service. This government bill was not referred to the relevant standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on July 27, 2023 and received assent by the President on August 18, 2023.[1]

Senator Mushtaq Ahmad (KP,JIP) emphasized that rushing and adopting a careless approach to enact such legislation should be avoided. He said that the Senate would pass the bill through consensus after thorough discussion with the condition that the established procedures of the House should not be violated. Former Chairman of the Senate, Senator Raza Rabbani, staged a token walkout and voiced criticism on the bill.[2]

The Official Secrets (Amendment) Act, 2023 was aimed at granting expanded authority to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Intelligence Bureau (IB), allowing them to conduct raids and apprehend citizens suspected of breaching official secrets. Additionally, the disclosure of a secret agent’s name will be deemed an offense under this law. The law also proposed authority to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate individuals suspected of violating the Official Secrets Act. The definition of “enemy” introduced in the proposed law stated that “any person who is directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally working for or engaged with a foreign power, foreign agent, non-state actor, organisation, entity, association or group guilty of a particular act… prejudicial to the safety and interest of Pakistan.” Senator Raza Rabbani (Sindh, PPPP) expressed criticism on the law and said that “new traditions” were being set in the law. He said he felt he was not in the Senate but a “princely state” where he was “blindfolded, handcuffed” and “parrot whatever the ministers say or whatever comes after being passed by the cabinet”. This implied a deeper concern or disapproval regarding the emerging practices or procedures within the legislative process. Senator Mushtaq Ahmed (KP, JIP) criticized the legislative proceedings in the Senate and said that the government had turned the House into a global and social media joke. He expressed concern over the apparent violation of internal rules and regulations in the Senate. Additionally, he questioned the reasoning behind opening a “floodgate of legislations” during the final days of the government.[3] This government bill was referred to the standing committee of Cabinet Secretariat on August 2, 2023 after its introduction the same day and passed by the Senate on August 6, 2023 . The bill received assent by the President on August 18, 2023.

The Defence Housing Authority Islamabad (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was aimed to extend the power to appoint a co-opted member of the Executive Board to the Government, which was a lengthy and difficult exercise. Therefore, it was proposed that the power to appoint a co-opted member be exercised by the Governing Body to ensure the participation of residents as part of the Governing Body through an easier process. No clear mechanism for arranging security in the specified area was provided in the previous Act. This ambiguity created security threats to the allottees of the Authority, for which a proposed security mechanism was inserted. This government bill was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on July 27, 2023 and received assent by the President on August 3, 2023.

The Cantonments (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was aimed at modifying the Cantonments Act of 1924 (II of 1924). This government bill was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on July 27, 2023 and received assent by the President on August 4, 2023.

The Board of Investment (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposed amendment to the Board of Investment Ordinance 2001 focusing on enhancing foreign investment in the country through the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). This government bill was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on July 27, 2023 and received assent by the President on August 3, 2023.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023 aimed to provide definitions of disinformation and misinformation. It outlined disinformation as information shared “without making an effort to get another person’s point of view or not giving it proper coverage and space.” The bill defined disinformation as deliberately false, misleading, manipulated, or fabricated information disseminated or shared to harm someone’s reputation or harass them for political, personal, or financial gain while neglecting to seek an opposing viewpoint or allocate proper coverage. However, the definition excluded misinformation. In terms of misinformation, the bill defined it as false content or information that was unintentionally disseminated or shared. Additionally, the bill established that in cases of “severe violations,” the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) had the authority to impose fines up to Rs. 10 million. The government bill was introduced on July 9 and referred to standing committee of Information and Broadcasting on August 04, 2023. It was passed by the Senate on August 9, 2023 and received assent by the President on August 15, 2023.

The Pakistan International Airlines (Corporation) (Conversion) (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposed a policy framework in the light of proposed options for making the PIA a profitable and self-sustaining organization. This government bill, which was not referred to a standing committee, was introduced and passed by the Senate on July 27, 2023 and received assent by the President on August 11, 2023.

The Gun and Country Club Bill, 2023 proposed to establish and govern the Gun and Country Club in Islamabad. This government bill was referred to standing committee of Inter-Provincial Coordination on August 03, 2023. It was introduced on August 3 and passed by the Senate on August 4, 2023 and received assent by the President on August 7, 2023.

The Press Council of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill 2023 sought to substitute the term “government” with the phrase “secretary of the division to which business of the Council stands allocated.” This government bill was referred to standing committee of Information and Broadcasting on August 02, 2023 after it was introduced on August 3. The bill was passed by the Senate on August 4, 2023 and received assent by the President on August 11, 2023.

The National Logistics Corporation Bill, 2023 sought to provide the legal framework for establishment, functioning and growth of modern logistics services and infrastructure across Pakistan. This government bill was referred to Standing Committee of Federal Education and Professional Training on August 03, 2023. It was passed by the Senate on August 4, 2023 and received assent by the President on August 8, 2023.

The Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding (Amendment) Bill, 2023 aimed to permit the Controller General of Price and Supplies to establish maximum prices for essential commodities. These amendments facilitated producers, dealers, and importers in expressing their concerns and improving the appeal process. This government bill was not referred to a standing committee. It was Introduced and passed by the Senate on August 9, 2023 and received assent by the President on September 12, 2023.

The Federal Prosecution Service Bill, 2023 sought to establish an independent, effective service for the prosecution of criminal cases to ensure prosecutorial independence for better coordination between the prosecution and law enforcement agencies in the Islamabad Capital Territory. This government bill was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on August 9, 2023 and received assent by the President on October 26, 2023.

The Emigration (Amendment) Bill, 2023 sought to amend Section 15 of the Emigration Ordinance, 1979 in order to facilitate the intending emigrants by allowing them to appear in person or appear virtually for registration of names by Protector to Emigrants. This government bill was not referred to standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on August 4, 2023 and received assent by the President on August 9, 2023.

The Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2023 aimed to enact the law regarding the establishment of the state-owned Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund. This government bill was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on August 4, 2023 and received assent by the President on August 4, 2023.

The Zakat and Ushr (Amendment) Bill, 2023 sought to ensure smoother operations for the ministry in its efforts to combat poverty and enhance social safety. This government bill was referred to standing committee of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety on August 02, 2023 after its introduction. It was passed by the Senate on August 6, 2023 and received assent by the President on August 9, 2023.

The Toshakhana (Management and Regulation) Bill, 2023 proposed legislation aimed to establish a framework for the effective management and regulation of Toshakhana, encompassing gifts received by public office holders during their official duties. This government bill was referred to standing committee on Cabinet Secretariat on July 25, 2023 after its introduction. It was passed by the Senate on July 30, 2023 and has remained pending to become an Act of Parliament.

The National Commission for Human Development (Amendment) Bill, 2023 made amendments to the National Commission for Human Development Ordinance 2002 to address changes brought about by the 18th amendment in the Constitution, particularly in the realm of education and the organisational framework of the National Commission for Human Development. This government bill was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on August 2, 2023. It has remained pending in the National Assembly to become an Act of Parliament. The President did not give assent to the Bill and it was returned to the Parliament on August 22. 2023.

The Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management Bill, 2023 was aimed for protection, preservation, conservation and management of wildlife and setting up of a national park in the Islamabad territory. This government bill was referred to standing committee of Climate Change on August 08, 2023. It was introduced on August 8 and passed by the Senate on August 09, 2023. It has remained pending to become an Act of Parliament.

The Higher Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023 aimed to strengthen the higher education sector in the country and ensure access to quality education for everyone. The term of appointment for the Chairman of HEC was extended to four years from the previous three years. This change aimed to promote stability and continuity in the commission’s leadership, leading to improved long-term planning and policy implementation. According to the stated objectives, the bill aimed to rectify discrepancies present in the existing HEC Ordinance 2002. This government bill was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on August 6, 2023 and has remained pending.

The Federal Public Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023 aimed to strengthen the Commission to act more effectively by increasing its operational capacity. This government bill was referred to standing committee of Law and Justice on August 6, 2023 after introduction It was passed by the Senate on August 8, 2023. It has remained pending with the President to become an Act of Parliament.

The Hajj and Umrah (Regulation) Bill, 2023 sought to deal with those who deceive, cheat or misguide the pilgrims. This government bill was not referred to standing committee. It was introduced on August 2 and passed by the Senate on August 4, 2023 and has remained pending by President to become an Act of Parliament.

The Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals (Amendment) Bill, 2023 aimed to modify the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act 2021. This government bill, which was referred to standing committee of Information and Broadcasting on August 03, 2023. It was introduced on August 3 and passed by the Senate on August 4, 2023. The bill is pending in National Assembly to become an Act of Parliament. The President did not give assent to the Bill.

Press, Newspapers, News Agencies and Books Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposed amendment to the existing law. This government bill was referred to standing committee of Information and Broadcasting on August 03, 2023. It was introduced on August 3 and passed by the Senate on August 4, 2023. The bill has remained pending.

The Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology, Islamabad (Amendment) Bill, 2023 aimed to bring adequate adjustments in the statutory provisions to enhance the efficiency and stature of Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology (FUUAST). This government bill was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced on August 2 and passed by the Senate on August 4, 2023. It has remained pending to become an Act of Parliament.

The National Skills University Islamabad (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was introduced to upgrade the then National Institute of Science and Technology Education (NISTE) into National Skills University (NSU) Islamabad. This government bill was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced on July 25, 2023 and passed by the Senate on August 4, 2023. It has remained pending to become an Act of Parliament.

The Pakistan Ruet-e-Hilal Bill, 2023 aimed to regulate the system of moon sighting for the purpose of commencement of Islamic Hijri month and consequently to bring harmony amongst followers of various schools of thought of Islam to perform their religious obligations with unanimity throughout the country. This government bill was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced on August 2, 2023 and passed by the Senate on August 4, 2023 and has remained pending to become an Act of Parliament.

The Imports and Exports (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposed amendments that would enable to address hardships cases received from the business community and other quarters for one time relaxation of import/export related prohibitions and restrictions. This government bill was referred to the Standing Committee of Commerce on July 25, 2023. It was introduced on July 25 and passed by the Senate on August 4, 2023. It has remained pending to become an act of the Parliament.

The Trade Organizations (Amendment) Bill, 2023 aimed to facilitate the efficient resolution of operational matters within trade organisations. This amendment empowered the Directorate General of Trade Organisation (DGTO) under the Commerce Division to address such issues promptly. This government bill was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on July 24, 2023 and has remained pending to become an Act of Parliament.

The NFC Institute of Engineering and Technology Multan (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposed to rename the institution. This government bill was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on July 24, 2023 and has remained pending.

The Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was introduced to modify Section 7 of the Pakistan Nursing Council Act 1973. This private member bill was moved by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla (Sindh, PPPP), which was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on July 24, 2023 and received assent by the President on August 3, 2023.

The Pakistan General Cosmetic Bill,2023 aimed to govern various aspects of general cosmetics, including quality, standards, labelling, packaging, manufacturing, storage, distribution, and sales. This private member bill was moved by Senator Rana Maqbool Ahmad (Punjab, IND), on behalf of, Senator Irfan-Ul-Haque Siddiqui. The bill was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on July 30, 2023 and received assent by the President on August 4, 2023.

The Rahim Jan University Bill, 2023 was aimed at providing the framework for establishment of Rahim Jan University (RJU) for the provision of best facilities to the upcoming professionals in terms of faculty, labs the library, research intensive culture and an environment of higher education. This private member bill was moved by Senator Naseebullah Bazai (Balochistan, IND) on behalf of Senator Syed Muhammad Sabir Shah (KP, IND). The bill was referred to Standing Committee of Federal Education and Professional Training on August 7, 2023. It was introduced on August 7 and passed by the Senate on August 9, 2023 and has remained pending.

The Prime University of Nursing, Sciences and Technology (PUNST) Islamabad Bill, 2023 aimed to promote and disseminate the knowledge and technology and provide education, training research, demonstration and scholarships. This private member bill was introduced by Senator Naseebullah Bazai (Balochistan, IND) and was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on August 7, 2023 and remains pending.

The Horizon University Bill, 2023 sought to establish a new University in Islamabad. The private member bill was proposed by Senator Hidayat Ullah (KP, IND). This bill was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on July 24, 2023 and has remained pending.

The Pakistan Institute of Management, Sciences and Technology Bill, 2023 sought to establish an institute of in private Sector to provide high quality, comprehensive education and training opportunities compatible with the changing needs of the students. The private member bill was proposed by Senator Rana Maqbool Ahmad (Punjab, IND) and was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on July 24, 2023. The bill has remained pending to become an Act of Parliament.

The Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was introduced so that highly professional and technical assignments should be given to persons having sound technical knowledge and recognized engineering background. The private member bill was introduced by Senator Engr. Rukhsana Zuberi (Sindh, PPPP) and was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on August 7, 2023. The bill has remained pending.

The National University for Security Sciences Islamabad Bill, 2023 aimed to established as a private-sector institution led by the Save Our Society Foundation, a non-profit organization registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The private member bill was moved by Senator Rana Mahmood Ul Hassan (Punjab, IND) and was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on July 24, 2023. It has remained pending by the President to become an Act of Parliament.

The Contempt of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) Bill, 2023 granted authority to penalize individuals found guilty of contempt towards the Parliament or its committees, as well as violating the privileges of any parliamentary member. The private member bill was moved by Senator Kauda Babar (Balochistan, IND), on behalf of Senators Prince Ahmed Umer Ahmedzai, Naseebullah Bazai, Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti and Rana Mahmood Ul Hassan. The bill was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on July 2, 2023 and has remained pending to become an Act of Parliament.

The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023 aimed to dissuade those designs trying to indict any person with an illicit intension and without empirical evidence of the labelled offence. To discourage the like minds the amendment bill has proposed increase in the punishment of the said offence. The private member bill was introduced on July 24, 2023 by Senator Hafiz Abdul Karim (Punjab, PML-N) and was referred to Standing Committee on July 24, 2023. It was passed by the Senate on August 7, 2023 and it has remained pending to become an Act of Parliament.

The Protection of Family Life and Wedlock Bill,2023 aimed to provide an opportunity to spouses who are serving under the administrative control of the Federal Directorate of Education for their absorption, if so interested, after their long posting or services in the Islamabad Capital Territory on one-time bases. The private member bill was introduced by Senator Kamran Murtaza (Balochistan, JUIP) on August 7, 2023. It was passed by the Senate on August 7, 2023. It has remained pending to become an Act of Parliament.

The Akhuwat Institute Kasur Bill, 2023 was laid to establish the institute to disseminate knowledge and technology and to provide education, training and research. The private member bill was introduced by Senator Irfan-Ul-Haque Siddiqui (Punjab, PML-N) and was referred to Standing Committee of Cabinet Secretariat on August 7, 2023. It was introduced on August 7 and passed by the Senate on August 9, 2023. It has remained pending to become an Act of Parliament.

The Federal Ziauddin University Bill, 2023 was laid to establish a Federal Ziauddin University to promote disseminate knowledge and to provide education, training, research, demonstration and scholarship in such branches of learning. The private member bill was introduced by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla (Sindh, PPPP) and was not referred to a standing committee. It was introduced and passed by the Senate on August 9, 2023. The bill has been pending to become an Act of Parliament.

The International Islamic Institute for peace (IIIP) Bill, 2023 aimed to develop and disseminate the message of peace and harmony in Islamic thoughts with the state of art scholarships and technology, and to contribute towards solving religious and non-religious conflicts domestically and globally by producing evidence-based knowledge and a new generation of leaders who are equipped with strong thoughts leadership. The private member bill was moved by Senator Irfan-Ul-Haque Siddiqui (Punjab, PML-N), on behalf of Senators Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti and Rana Maqbool Ahmad. It was referred to Standing Committee of Cabinet Secretariat on August 7, 2023. It was introduced on August 7 and passed by the Senate on August 9, 2023 but has remained pending.

The Askari Institute of Higher Education Bill, 2023 aimed to established a quality of higher education institution in Tehsil Kharian. The private member bill was moved by Senator Hidayatullah Khan (KP, ANP) and was referred to Standing Committee of Federal Education and Professional Training on August 7, 2023 after it was introduced. It was passed by the Senate on August 9, 2023. The bill has been pending to become an Act of Parliament.

The Metropolitan International Institute of Science and Technology Bill, 2023 aimed to provide modern higher education facilities to around 4000+ students in different degree programs over time span of different years. The private member bill was moved by Senator Naseebullah Bazai (Balochistan, IND), on behalf of Senator Kauda Babar and was referred to standing committee of Federal Education and Professional Training on August 7, 2023. It was introduced on August 7 and passed by the Senate on August 9, 2023 and has been pending to become an Act of Parliament.

The Mufti-e-Azam Islamic University Bill, 2023 aimed to create a transformative learning environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity, fosters research and innovation, and prepares students to become modern Islamic leaders. The private member bill was moved by Senator Kamran Murtaza (Balochistan, JUIP) and was referred to Standing Committee of Federal Education and Professional Training on August 7, 2023. It was introduced on August 7 and passed by the Senate on August 9, 2023 but remains pending to become an Act of Parliament.

 

The Islamabad University of Health Sciences and Emerging Technologies Act, 2023 was tabled to set up the university to disseminate knowledge and education in the field of technological research and other technical subjects. The private member bill was moved by Senator Rana Maqbool Ahmad (Punjab, IND) and was referred to Standing Committee of Federal Education and Professional Training on August 7, 2023 after it was introduced. It was passed by the Senate on August 9, 2023 but remains pending to become an Act of Parliament.

The Kalam Bibi International Women Institute Bannu (Amendment) Bill, 2023 aimed to upgrade Women Campus University of Bannu to full-fledged Kalam Bibi International Women Institute, Bannu Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The private member bill was introduced by Senator Kamran Murtaza (Balochistan, JUIP) and was referred to the standing committee of Federal Education and Professional Training on August 7, 2023. Previously, Rana Tanveer Hussain introduced the bill which was passed on May 5, 2023 during the 329th session of the Senate and again on August 9, 2023. The bill has been pending to become an Act of Parliament.

During the 331st session, a total of 55 bills were passed, with only 21 bills being referred to standing committees; the rest swiftly cleared without substantial deliberation. Regrettably, the majority of these bills were either introduced or passed almost instantaneously, devoid of any meaningful debate or discussion on their merits and demerits. The House seemed to be merely a conduit for the expedited passage of bills, neglecting considerations of quality, credibility and the necessity of these legislative measures. Some Senators openly acknowledged this issue, asserting that their discussions in the House held little value, as recommendations and suggestions on bills were often dismissed. Notably, Senator Mushtaq Ahmed (KP, JI) and Senator Raza Rabbani (Sindh, PPPP) strongly criticized the manner in which bills were rushed through. This highlights a significant deviation from the intended purpose of the House – to provide a platform for expressing the voice of the people and representing them in all state policy matters.[4]

Time consumed on discussion of Policy Issues during 3311st Session

During 3311st session of the Senate, total time consumed for discussion on policy issues spanned over 07 hours and 30 minutes. The maximum time consumed in discussing policy issues was on the CCI meeting for the approval of Census, 2023 for 1 hour and 05 minutes. Discussion on the bill titled The Official Secrets (Amendment) Act, 2023 consumed 45 minutes.

The House discussed the meeting of CCI on the approval of the Digital Census 2023, with many Senators opposing it and stating that these were delaying tactics for the holding General Election. Senators also opposed participation of caretaker CMs in the CCI meeting. Speaking on a point of public concern, PPP’s Senator Raza Rabbani opposed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s idea of holding General Election on the basis of fresh delimitations, which, if followed, could delay the General Election for months. Furthermore, he said that Caretaker CMs have only a limited role and cannot take decisions on the “controversial” population count exercise, adding that the idea of delaying polls under the pretext of conducting them on the basis of latest census and fresh delimitations would not be supported. Senator Sherry Rehman also said the census issue was controversial and linking it to the polls would open up a pandora’s Box. “We don’t want elections to be delayed,” said Senator Rehman. Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, in his response, said that all these matters would come up for discussion at the CCI meeting. He pointed out that a one-time constitutional amendment was made in Article 51 of Constitution before the 2018 Election, which said that polls would be held on the basis of provisional results of the 2017 census. Before this Amendment, he added, all parliamentary parties had reached an agreement that next elections would be held on the basis of digital census.[5]

It is crucial to highlight that PILDAT considers a policy issue as something involving recommendations for creating a policy. So, any talk that’s just criticism or highlighting concerns without suggesting policy changes is not seen as a policy issue. Instead, it is seen as a discussion or time spent on non-policy matters. This underlines the significance of having meaningful discussions that contribute to shaping policies within the legislative context.

References

  1. “Senate passes Army Act amendment bill,” Business Recorder online July 24, 2023, accessed January 28, 2023. https://www.brecorder.com/news/40254961. ↑

  2. Nadir Guramani, “Senate passes Army Act amendment bill proposing up to 5 years in jail for disclosing sensitive information.” Dawn online, July 27,2023, accessed December 28,2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1767084. ↑

  3. Nadir Guramani, “Bill to amend Secrets Act referred to standing committee after opposition in Senate.” Dawn Online, August 02, 2023, accessed January 02,2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1768025/bill-to-amend-secrets-act-referred-to-standing-committee-after-opposition-in-senate. ↑

  4. Ameen Amjad Khan, “Anger erupts over passage of bills for 26 new universities,” University world news online, August 03, 2023, accessed February 14, 2024. https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20230803203045997. ↑

  5. “PPP terms fresh delimitation ploy to delay polls, Dawn online, August 5, 2023, accessed February 16, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1768449. ↑