35% Agenda Items Left Over in the 342nd Session of the Senate

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Highlights

  1. The Senate met for 27 hours and 03 minutes in 11 Sittings
  2. Seven (7) Government Bills and One (1) Private Member Bill were passed
  3. Four (4) Resolutions were passed

Summary

Seven (7) Government Bills and One (1) Private Member Bill was passed during the 342nd Session of the Senate. The session was marked by heightened political tensions between the ruling coalition and the opposition, particularly regarding issues of civil liberties and the right to dissent. The opposition alleged that certain legislation, specifically the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024, was being put forth to curtail their upcoming rally. Furthermore, the arrest of MNAs from Parliament House premises on September 10, 2024 sparked heated debates over parliamentary immunity. Meanwhile, the government’s plan to introduce and pass the 26th constitutional amendment package didn’t take place during this session as anticipated.

Working Hours

The 342nd Session of the Senate began on August 27, 2024 and was prorogued on September 16, 2024. Eleven (11) sittings were convened for a total of 27 hours and 03 minutes. The longest sitting was for 4 hours and 12 minutes on September 12, 2024 whereas the shortest sitting was on September 16, 2024 which lasted only for 15 minutes. The sitting scheduled for Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 4pm, which would have been the 11th sitting, did not took place after first getting delayed to 7pm and then 10pm. After the revised timing was missed for the second time, no new timing was disclosed before it was adjourned till 12:30pm on Monday, September 16, 2024. The Schedule of the Sittings is given in Appendix A.

Agenda Items Left Over

Only 35% of the agenda items were left over during the 342nd session. Details of the agenda items left over are given in Appendix B.

Quorum

Quorum was pointed out thrice and the House was adjourned each time during the 342nd session of the Senate. On September 12, 2024 the session was adjourned after quorum was pointed out by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan (Sindh, PPPP). Upon count, the House was not found to be in order. The Speaker then adjourned the proceedings. 70 members were marked as present in the sitting. On September 13, 2024, Senator Danesh Kumar (Balochistan, BAP) pointed out quorum, the count was made and House was not found in order hence the proceedings were adjourned. 53 members were marked as present in the sitting.  On September 14, 2024, the Government side pointed out the quorum. Upon count the House was not in order so the bells were rung for five minutes and count was made again. The House was still not in order; therefore, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani (ICT, PPPP) adjourned the proceedings. 66 members were marked as present in the sitting. 

Attendance

On average, 69% of Senators were recorded as present during the session. Senator Syed Shibli Faraz (KP, PTI), Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, attended 100% of the sittings. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar (ICT, PMLN), Leader of the House, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, attended 3, or 27%, of the 11 sittings of the 342nd session of the Senate.

Figure 3: Attendance

Top 5 Vocal Senators

Senator Syed Shibli Faraz (KP, PTI), Leader of the Opposition, was the most vocal Senator during the session with a recorded talk time of 3 hours and 01 minutes. He was followed by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab, PML-N), Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, and Human Rights, with a talk time of 1 hour and 38 minutes. Senator Aimal Wali Khan (Balochistan, ANP) spoke for 1 hour and 09 minutes. Senator Mohsin Aziz (KP, PTI) spoke for 1 hour and 06 minutes while Senator Saifullah Abro (Sindh, PTI) spoke for 1 hour and 01 minute.

Figure 4: Top 5 Vocal Senators

Legislation

Seven (7) Government Bills and One (1) Private Member Bill were passed during the 342nd session.

The Elections (Amendment) Bill 2024 was laid in the House on April 25, 2024 by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minster for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights and referred to the Standing Committee. One notable aspect of this bill is that it removes the mention of “FATA” (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) from certain parts of the Elections Act, 2017, as FATA was merged into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in 2018. The bill was received back with recommendations from the Standing Committee on August 05, 2024. The bill was passed on August 27, 2024. Assent by the President was given on September 06, 2024.

The Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was passed on August 27, 2024 without being referred to the Standing Committee. Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights, and Senator Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Minister for Interior, moved the bill. The bill primarily aims to amend the structure of local government elections in Islamabad. As per the bill, the Election Commission has been assigned the responsibility of dividing Union Councils into nine wards in order to hold general member elections. The opposition voiced their disapproval for this bill, terming it politically motivated and a delay tactic to further hold off already overdue elections that are scheduled for October 09, 2024. Even with protests from the opposition, it only took 08 minutes for the bill to be passed in the Senate. This bill was passed by the National Assembly a day earlier, on August 26, 2024. Assent by the President was given on September 29, 2024. Consequently, the ECP has postponed local government elections for Islamabad until further notice.[1]

The Apostille Bill, 2024 was passed on September 05, 2024 in the Senate of Pakistan without being referred to the Standing Committee. It was already passed by the National Assembly on September 02, 2024. Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights, moved the bill on the behalf of Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister and the Leader of the House. This bill plays a key role in streamlining the process of handling foreign public documents in Pakistan. Specifically, it eliminates the need for multiple legalizations of foreign public documents. The purpose is to simplify and expedite document validation for use in foreign jurisdictions, benefiting Pakistani citizens both domestically and abroad by reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Presidential assent for this bill was given on September 06, 2024.

Mr. Abdul Aleem Khan, Federal Minister for Privatization, moved the Privatization Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, as passed by the National Assembly on September 02, 2024, to be taken into consideration at once on September 05, 2024. This bill was passed in the Senate without being referred to the Standing Committee. The amendment primarily introduces an appellate tribunal to oversee the privatization process, ensuring judicial oversight and transparency. The tribunal will consist of a chairman, a technical member, and a judicial member, with the chairman being a retired Supreme Court judge. The members, appointed for a three-year term, will have an age limit of 65, and the federal government will have the power to remove any member if necessary. The tribunal’s decisions can be appealed to the Supreme Court within 60 days.​ Assent by the President was given on September 12, 2024.

The Establishment of Telecommunications Appellate Tribunal Bill, 2024 was also passed on September 05, 2024 in the Senate without being referred to the Standing Committee, after being passed in the National Assembly on September 02, 2024. It was moved by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights, on the behalf of Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State of Information Technology and Telecommunications. This bill aims to create a specialized appellate tribunal to handle disputes and appeals arising from decisions made by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and other telecom regulatory bodies. This move is seen as a response to longstanding demands from the IT and telecommunications sectors for a dedicated mechanism to resolve conflicts more effectively. Presidential assent for this bill was given on September 20, 2024.

The Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024 was laid in the House on September 02, 2024 and referred to the Standing Committee on Interior. It was moved by Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui (Punjab, PML-N) on the behalf of Senators Saleem Mandviwalla (Sindh, PPPP), Samina Mumtaz Zehri (Balochistan, BAP), Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari (Sindh, MQMP) and Umer Farooq (Balochistan, ANP). The purpose of this law is to control protests and public assemblies in the Capital Territory of Islamabad. Public assembly organizers are required by law to apply to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) at least seven days in advance of the event. Permission for these events may be granted or denied by the DC, and in the event that permission is denied, there are channels for appeal, which include the Chief Commissioner and, if required, the Interior Secretary. In addition, the government will publicly notify and designate particular sites for public gatherings.​ The bill encountered strong resistance, especially from members of the PTI, who claimed that the bill infringes upon citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly. They viewed this bill as the government’s reaction to the PTI rally that was set to take place in the upcoming week. Report was received by the Standing Committee on September 02, 2024 and the bill was passed on the same day. Assent by the President was given on September 06, 2024.

On September 12, 2024, the National University of Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was passed without being referred to the Standing Committee by the Senate of Pakistan. It was moved by Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Minister for Science and Technology, after it was passed in the National Assembly on September 09, 2024, to be taken into consideration at once. This legislation seeks to amend the original National University of Technology Act established in 2018. The bill aims to streamline the administrative framework and improve the operational efficiency of the university. Presidential assent for this bill was given on September 20, 2024.

Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights, moved the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Bill, 2024 on the behalf of Mr. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Defence, and it was passed on September 12 2024 in the Senate of Pakistan after the Standing Committee presented its report on September 12, 2024. It was passed by the National Assembly of Pakistan on September 02, 2024. This bill aims to establish a regulatory framework for the cultivation, processing, and sale of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes. It is designed to help regulate the industry, ensuring cannabis is used in ways that benefit public health while preventing abuse. Although the bill saw broad support, it also faced criticism, primarily on jurisdictional grounds. Assent by the President was given on September 24, 2024.

Ordinances

No ordinance was laid during the Session.

Resolutions

Four (4) Resolutions were passed by the House.

The first resolution was moved by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab, PML-N), Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights, on behalf of twenty-five other senators on September 02, 2024. This resolution extends its congratulations to Arshad Nadeem on his outstanding accomplishment of taking home the gold medal in the javelin throw at the Olympics in Paris, stating “This House Expresses solidarity with Arshad Nadeem, celebrating his gold medal win at the Paris Olympics, and expresses full confidence that he will continue to earn more laurels, brightening the name of our country globally, and serving as an inspiration for our youth.” This resolution was passed unanimously.

On the account of Defence Day, September 06, 2024, the second resolution was passed. It was moved by Senator Poonjo Bheel (Sindh, PPPP). The resolution states: “This House commemorate the Defence Day reflecting on the bravery and sacrifices of its armed forces on 6th September 1965 and pay homage to the martyrs and all those who sacrificed their lives for the safety of this country”. The Resolution also highlighted Pakistan’s military courage, demonstrated by it defeating a numerically large enemy. This resolution was unanimously passed by the Senate of Pakistan.

On September 12, 2024, Senator Syed Shibli Faraz (KP, PTI), Leader of the Opposition, moved the third resolution of the session. This resolution denounces: “This House condemns the outrageous attack carried out on the Parliament of Pakistan on 9th September, 2024. This Shameful act has trampled the honour and prestige of the citadel of democracy”. This resolution was passed by the House unanimously. It also asked the government to take action to regain the respect and sovereignty of the Parliament, and advocates prosecuting those accountable.

Senator Atta-Ur-Rehman (KP, JUIP) moved the fourth resolution of the session on September 12, 2024. Senator Atta-Ur-Rehman emphasized that this day was historic not only for Pakistan but also for the Muslim world at large. This resolution states: “Commemorating the historical day of September 7, 1974; the day when the Parliament of Pakistan unanimously declared Qadianis as a non-Muslims minority.” It was unanimously passed by the House.

Analysis[2]

The 342nd Session of the Senate of Pakistan featured substantial legislative action and intense political debate. Several key bills were introduced and passed, ranging from local government electoral reforms to regulation of public gatherings. Notably, there were sharp clashes between the government and opposition parties, particularly on issues such as the process of appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and proposed restrictions on public protests. Opposition members accused the government of manipulating the judiciary and curtailing civil liberties through its legislative agenda. The Senate also had an extensive discussion on the critical issue of the deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan, which has led to the tragic loss of civilian lives.

On August 25 and 26, 2024, Balochistan experienced a wave of violence attributed to separatist insurgents, resulting in the deaths of more than 60 individuals, including civilians and security personnel. The assaults included a coordinated attack in Musakhail, where militants targeted a convoy of vehicles, executing 23 passengers in what were described as execution-style shootings. Additionally, further attacks occurred in various districts, including Qalat and Bolan, involving bombings and assaults on police stations.[3] In reference to the incidents, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab, PML-N), Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights, requested Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani (ICT, PPPP) to suspend the Questions Hour for August 27, 2024 to discuss the way forward after the incidents in Balochistan. During the session, there was intense discussion on the issue by various Senators, including Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar (ICT, PML-N), Leader of the House, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Leader of the Opposition Senator Syed Shibli Faraz (KP, PTI).

Commenting on the escalating violence, Senator Aimal Wali Khan (Balochistan, ANP) condemned the recent attacks and criticized the government for its handling of the situation. He pointed to a lack of accountability and suggested that certain figures, including former President Arif Alvi and military officials, should be investigated for their roles in fostering an environment where such violence could occur​. His remarks emphasized the need for shared responsibility in addressing these security challenges and called for a comprehensive approach to ensure the safety of civilians in Balochistan​.

 

Senator Umer Farooq (Balochistan, ANP) expressed deep concern regarding the increasing violence in Balochistan, attributing the deteriorating security situation to the shortcomings of law enforcement agencies, specifically the Inspector General (IG) of Police and the Frontier Corps (FC). He stated that the violence was not merely an issue of insurgency but reflected a broader failure of the state to maintain peace and order in the region. Senator Farooq emphasized that accountability should be directed at these institutions for their inability to protect civilians and curb militant activities. His comments were a part of the ongoing discussions in the Senate regarding the alarming rise in anti-state attacks, which had resulted in numerous casualties, including civilians.

The Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was moved by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab, PML-N) and taken into consideration at once as passed by the National Assembly. During the passage of the bill, Syed Shibli Faraz (KP, PTI), the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, expressed significant discontent regarding the government’s approach to the legislation. He criticized the hurried passage of the bill, which he said aimed to delay local government elections that were already overdue. Faraz argued that the bill should have been referred to a standing committee first for proper scrutiny, emphasizing that the Senate members should not be treated as mere “rubber stamps.” He stated, “Don’t make fun of this House” and insisted that proper legislative procedures must be followed, reflecting his concerns about the government’s disregard for parliamentary norms. However, the bill was passed within 15 minutes.

Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan (Sindh, PPPP) drew the government’s attention with Point of Public Importance to the overbilling of electricity bills and indifference of officers/officials to the plight of consumers. Senator Khan expressed concern over incorrect meter readings, stating that her family had to visit the office 28 times in three months, where they were met with misbehaviour. She condemned this conduct, comparing to a mafia, and called for strict action. She suggested referring the matter to the FIA to dismantle this group and set an example. She emphasized that if such treatment could happen to her family, the hardships faced by the common public is unimaginable.[4]

The introduction of the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024 caused intense debate in the Senate. On September 02, 2024, Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui (Punjab, PML-N) introduced the bill. The opposition members protested; Senator Ali Zafar (Punjab, PTI) argued that the bill was an attempt to prevent their public gatherings and restrict their political activities, suggesting that it was specifically designed to curb PTI’s activities. He expressed concerns that the bill would enable the government to misuse its authority to suppress opposition protests. Leader of the Opposition, Syed Shibli Faraz (KP,PTI) echoed these sentiments, accusing the government of attempting to silence dissent and control public gatherings through the proposed legislation. He characterized the law as “fascist,” arguing that it violates the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, which is guaranteed under Article 16 of the Constitution. “The only purpose of this bill is to sabotage PTI’s public gathering,” he said, referring to the upcoming rally scheduled in Sangjani, Islamabad on September 08, 2024. The bill was referred to the Standing Committee and later passed on September 05, 2024 after the committee presented its report to the House.

On September 5, 2024, a significant altercation occurred in the Senate of Pakistan between Senator Shahadat Awan (Sindh, PPPP) and Senator Saifullah Abro (Sindh, PTI). The tension escalated during a session that began with protests from the opposition benches. They accused Senator Awan of using objectionable remarks towards committee members. Senator Abro specifically alleged that Senator Awan misbehaved in a previous committee meeting, prompting further confrontation. The atmosphere in the Senate grew so tense that the Presiding Officer, Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui (Punjab, PML-N), had to adjourn the session temporarily to cool down the situation. After the break, efforts were made to reconcile the senators involved. Chairman of the Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani (ICT, PPPP), emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through mutual respect and reconciliation, highlighting the Senate’s role as a platform for dignified discourse. “This is the beauty of the upper house where its issues and legislative matters are resolved with mutual respect, consensus, reconciliation and dignity,” the Senate Chairman said. Both senators ultimately agreed to bury the hatchet, demonstrating a willingness to resolve their differences amicably amid the charged political environment.[5] It must be noted that parts of this sitting where some of this altercation happened were unavailable online on the Senate’s YouTube channel but were documented by reporting in the press.

Senate of Pakistan addressed two key issues through calling attention notices. One notice, raised by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada (KP, PTI), concerned the growing threat of monkeypox (mpox) in Pakistan, urging immediate governmental action to curb its spread. Another notice focused on the illegal detention of Pakistani citizens by a company in Burma. The senators highlighted these urgent matters, calling on the government to ensure the citizens’ safe return and to implement measures for managing the health crisis posed by monkeypox​.

On September 06, 2024, the Senate discussed critical issues related to education, particularly focusing on the Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) and the issuance of equivalence certificates. Senators, including Senator Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan (Punjab, PML-N) and Senator Dr. Zarqa Suhawardy Taimur (Punjab, PTI) emphasized the need for the IBCC to improve its processes, particularly regarding the delay in issuing equivalence certificates for O and A-level students. They mentioned that students faced challenges due to slow processing times and advocated for an online system to expedite these services. Additionally, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri (Balochistan, BAP) drew attention towards the alarming statistics reported by the United Nation’s fact-finding mission’s report of August 2024, regarding the floods affecting Balochistan and Sindh leading to massive destruction and displacement. She urged the government to take immediate action on the issue.

During the Senate sitting on September 10, 2024, significant discourse revolved around the arrests of several MNAs from the Parliament premises. At least ten PTI lawmakers were taken away by plainclothesmen who entered Parliament House early morning on September 10, 2024, after cutting off the power supply.[6] Lawmakers from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party voiced strong opposition, labelling the arrests as politically motivated attempts to stifle dissent. PTI parliamentary leader, Senator Ali Zafar, emphasized that the sanctity of Parliament should protect its members from intimidation, demanding the resignation of Senator Mohsin Naqvi (Punjab, IND), Minister for Interior. In contrast, government officials defended the arrests as lawful actions taken against individuals violating public order, asserting that parliamentary privilege does not shield criminal activity. Senators from both the ruling and opposition parties engaged in heated exchanges, underlining the gravity of the situation.[7] However, a rare unity across party lines was reached on this issue, with the Senate passing a resolution unanimously on September 12, 2024 condemning the arrests.

On September 10, 2024, a heated argument erupted in the Senate of Pakistan between Senator Faisal Vawda (Sindh, IND) and Senator Falak Naz (KP, PTI), leading to Naz’s suspension for two days due to her use of inappropriate language. The session was charged with tension as Vawda criticized the PTI, particularly in the context of recent arrests of its members, which he deemed hypocritical. Senator Falak Naz (KP, PTI) interrupted Vawda, questioning his status and authority to speak, which prompted a sharp retort from Vawda. He accused her and other PTI members of being involved in actions that were detrimental to the country. When Naz responded with offensive remarks, Vawda insisted on her accountability, stating that he would not retaliate with abusive language but called for an apology from her. Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani (ICT, PPPP) initially ordered the removal of her remarks from the record but ultimately suspended her for 2 days when she refused to apologize​.[8]

On September 14, 2024, a discussion was held on the anticipated 26th constitutional amendment package, which was expected to include significant judicial reforms. The government has faced challenges in garnering sufficient support for this package. Key among the proposals appeared to be the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court to handle constitutional matters and a revised framework for appointing judges, including the term limits for judges. Senators voiced apprehensions about the implications of such amendments, with some emphasizing the need for broad consensus among political parties to avoid further polarization. The government has to secure a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament for any amendments to pass, necessitating collaboration with opposition parties. Prominent figures, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) leader, MNA Maulana Fazlur Rehman, were seen as pivotal in negotiating support for these amendments, although they expressed the need for more time to evaluate the proposals thoroughly​. The Senate session scheduled for September 15, 2024, did not occur due to multiple delays, allegedly related to ongoing political negotiations over these proposed constitutional amendments. Originally set to start at 7 PM, the session was postponed to 10 PM but ultimately rescheduled for the following day. The government’s constitutional amendment package was ultimately not introduced as planned in the Senate, highlighting the need for further discussions among political parties to secure necessary support.[9]

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 time consumed in discussion of policy was on the topic of the security issues and terrorist activities in Balochistan. The discussion on this subject lasted for 2 hours and 30 minutes. [10]

References

  1. Kashif Abbasi, “ECP postpones local government polls in Islamabad for third time,” Dawn online, September 05, 2024, accessed on September 07, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1856980 ↑

  2. It must be noted that to inform our analysis, PILDAT’s researchers analyzed live proceedings of the Senate of Pakistan and various documents including, but not limited to, Senate’s Daily Journals, Committee Reports and Hansards. ↑

  3. Abdullah Zehri, “Balochistan rocked by violence as multiple attacks claim more than 50 lives; 21 terrorists killed,” Dawn online, August 26, 2024, accessed August 30, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1854838 ↑

  4. “Senate body reviews overbilling, electricity theft, data variation in power sector,” Profit online, September 20 2024, accessed date September 21 2024. https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/09/20/senate-body-reviews-overbilling-electricity-theft-data-variation-in-power-sector/ ↑

  5. “Senate passes bill to regulate public meetings in Islamabad,” Dawn online, September 06 2024, accessed date September 08, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1857255 ↑

  6. Irfan Sadozai and Umer Mehtab, “PTI MNAs arrested from Parliament premises produced in National Assembly,” Dawn online, September 12, 2024, accessed September 15, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1858522 ↑

  7. Naeem Asghar, “Senate unites to slam MNAs’ arrest,” The Express Tribune online, September 13, 2024, accessed September 15, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2495751/senate-unites-to-slam-mnas-arrest ↑

  8. “PTI woman senator suspended over inappropriate remarks against Vawda,” Pakistan Today online, September 11 2024, accessed 13 September 2024. https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/09/11/pti-woman-senator-suspended-over-inappropriate-remarks-against-vawda/ ↑

  9. “NA, Senate sessions on constitutional amendments rescheduled for Monday,” The Express Tribune online, September 15 2024, accessed September 16 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2496380/senate-session-on-key-constitutional-amendments-postponed-till-10-pm ↑

  10. 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. ↑