The Senate passes the government’s unsavoury legislative agenda with undue haste

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Highlights

  1. Ten (10) Sittings convened over 15 hours and 10 minutes
  2. Twelve (12) Government Bills and Four (4) Private Member Bills passed
  3. 30% agenda items left over during the session

Summary

Twelve (12) Government Bills and Four (4) Private Member Bills were passed during the 343rd Session of the Senate which featured significant constitutional amendments and a flurry of legislation. Notable legislations also included enhancing number of judges and increasing the service and extension tenures of the three services chiefs.

Working Hours

The 343rd Session of the Senate began on August 27, 2024 and was prorogued on October 17, 2024. Ten (10) sittings were convened for a total of 15 hours and 20 minutes. The longest sitting was held for 4 hours and 02 minutes on October 20, 2024 whereas the shortest sitting was held on October 25, 2024, which lasted for only 21 minutes.

Schedule of the Sittings is given in Appendix A.

Figure 1: Working Hours

Agenda Items Left Over

On average 29.86% of the agenda items were left over during the 343rd session. Details of the agenda items left over are given in Appendix B.

Figure 2: Agenda Items Left Over

Quorum

Quorum was pointed out thrice and the House was adjourned each time.

The first quorum was pointed out was on October 22, 2024 by Senator Ahmed Khan (Balochistan, JUIP). Upon count, only 6 members were found present in the House when the sitting was adjourned. On October 24, 2024, when Senator Falak Naz (KP, PTI) pointed out the quorum, the count was made and only 13 members were found present leading to adjournment of proceedings. The third time quorum was pointed out was on October 29, 2024 by Senator Hidayatullah Khan (KP, ANP). Count was made but the House was not in order so the bells were rung for five minutes and count was made again. However, the House was still not in order and the sitting was adjourned.

Attendance

On average, 56% of Senators were recorded as present during the session. Senator Syed Shibli Faraz (KP, PTI), Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, attended 3 or 30% of the sittings. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar (ICT, PMLN), Leader of the House, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, attended 2, or 20%, of the 10 sittings of the 343rd session of the Senate. Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif did not attend any sitting of the session.

Figure 3: Attendance

Top 5 Vocal Senators

Senator Aimal Wali Khan (Balochistan, ANP) was the most vocal Senator during the session with a recorded talk time of 1 hour. 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 52 minutes. Senator Syed Shibli Faraz (KP, PTI), Leader of the Opposition, spoke for 45 minutes. Senator Syed Ali Zafar (Punjab, PTI) spoke for 43 minutes while Senator Danesh Kumar (Balochistan, BAP) spoke for 35 minutes.

Figure 4: Top 5 Vocal Senators

Legislation

Twelve (12) Government Bills and Four (4) Private Member Bills were passed during the 343rd Session of the Senate.

Government Bills passed during the Session

On October 20, 2024 Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, (Punjab, PML-N) Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights introduced to move the Constitution (twenty-sixth Amendment) Bill, 2024. Only nine (9) of the twenty-five articles and one schedule of the Constitution that were added, changed, or replaced by the 26th Amendment addressed topics other than the judiciary. The primary change made by the amendment was the replacement of the previous system, which automatically appointed the senior most judge as the Chief Justice Supreme Court (CJP), with a 12-member legislative committee. As a result, the executive branch and the Parliament now have a far greater say in important judicial matters. Additionally, the change set the CJP’s term at three years or the age of 65, whichever comes first. The establishment of constitutional benches, which will be formed by the Judicial Commission and approved by the corresponding Provincial Assemblies in the high courts, was the second most significant alteration to the top judiciary. In this case too, the 13-member Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) was reconstituted after the former parliamentary committee was merged into it increasing the legislature’s authority. The amendment lowered the minimum age to become a high court judge from 45 to 40 years, provided for a secretariat led by a commission secretary, and increased the JCP’s responsibilities to include the Judicial Commission’s annual performance evaluation of high court judges.[1]

The amendment was hastily passed by the Senate. After clause-by-clause consideration, the 26th Constitutional Amendment was passed on the same day with 65 Senators casting their votes in favour on the amendment. Presidential Assent was given on October 21, 2024.

A ‘special parliamentary committee’ that was in charge of refining the amendment met four times under MNA Syed Khursheed Shah. Though the PTI attended Committee meetings it did not agree on the final draft which was presented in the Parliament. October 21, 2024 saw the presidential assent of the Constitution (26th. Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act XXVI of 2024).

The government shocked the country once again on November 4 when it passed six (6) measures quickly through supplemental orders of the day without consulting the appropriate Standing Committees. After being passed by the National Assembly on November 04, 2024, the government introduced six key bills through Supplementary Orders of the Day in the Senate all of which were passed in less than 15 minutes by the Senate. The same day, the President signed these into law.

The first three bills were moved by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab, PML-N), Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights. The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to increases the number of judges in the Supreme Court from the existing 17 (including the Chief Justice) to a maximum of 33. The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) (Amendment) Bill, 2024 amends the Supreme Court’s operational procedures, aligning them with recent constitutional updates that call for establishing constitutional benches. The Islamabad High Court (Amendment) Bill, 2024 raises the number of judges in the Islamabad High Court from nine to twelve.

Three more bills were introduced by Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Defence and Aviation. The Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2024, The Pakistan Air Force (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and The Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill, 2024 each extend the tenure of the Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Force respectively from three to five years. Additionally, these amendments removed the age limit of 64 years for these service chiefs ensuring they can serve beyond this age during reappointment or tenure extension. The amendments also increased extension periods from existing three to now five years. These amendments were enacted despite opposition while the Presidential assent was given on the same day.

The Deposit Protection Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced in the Senate on August 27, 2024 by Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb (Punjab, PML-N), Minister for Finance and Revenue, and was referred to the Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue. The Committee presented its report on September 05, 2024 based on which the law was passed. The purpose of the bill is to modify the current deposit insurance structure. In order to guarantee depositor trust in the banking system, it seeks to improve regulatory processes, boost financial stability, and expand depositor protections. After clause-by-clause consideration, the bill was passed by the House on October 17, 2024. It became an Act of Parliament on October 28, 2024.

The Establishment of Special Courts (Overseas Pakistanis Property) Bill, 2024 was introduced in the Senate on April 25, 2024 and referred to the Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. After reviewing the bill, the committee presented its report on September 10, 2024. It aims to establish special courts for settling property disputes involving Pakistanis living abroad. These courts would also be used to speed up legal proceedings, defend the property rights of foreign nationals, and handle problems they have when trying to protect their properties in Pakistan. During the passage of the bill, Senator Syed Ali Zafar (Punjab, PTI) put forth the question to the minister to elaborate more on the clauses of the bill, after which the bill was passed by the House on October 17, 2024. It became an Act of Parliament on October 28, 2024.

The Banking Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced in the House on August 27, 2024, and referred to the Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue. This bill aims to strengthen the country’s banking framework, particularly to promote Islamic banking and enhance financial inclusion. The committee presented its report on October 18, 2024 under Chairperson Senator Saleem Mandiwalla (Sindh, PPPP). It was moved by Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb (Punjab, PMLN). During the passage of the bill Senator Jan Muhammad (Balochistan, NP) and Senator Sherry Rehman (Sindh, PPPP) spoke regarding the need of this bill in the current time. The bill was then passed on October 19, 2024 and Presidential Assent was given on October 30, 2024.

The Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced in the House on October 20, 2024 by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab, PML-N), Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights. Without being referred to the Standing Committee, it was passed on the same day. It requires Pakistani religious seminaries, or Deeni Madaris, to register with the government in order to enhance control and accountability of these establishments, guaranteeing that they follow national educational requirements and function within a regulated framework.

The Seed (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced in the Senate on October 29, 2024, by Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Industries, Production, National Food Security and Research after being passed by the National Assembly on October 22, 2024. In order to improve seed quality and control its distribution in Pakistan, a National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority would be established through this bill. Without being referred to the Standing Committee, it was passed on the same date: October 29, 2024. It became an Act of Parliament on November 07, 2024.

Private Member Bills passed during the Session

The Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was introduced in the House on November 27, 2023 by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri (Balochistan, BAP) and referred to Standing Committee on Interior. After a long review, the Committee submitted its report on February 27, 2024. It aims to update the Factory Act of 1934 to address modern industrial challenges and improve worker safety and welfare. Key provisions include mandatory childcare facilities in factories, with penalties for non-compliance escalating from fines to potential factory closure. The bill was passed on November 04, 2024.

The Guardian and Wards (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced on January 01, 2024 by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri (Balochistan, BAP) and referred to Standing Committee. On February 27, 2024, the Committee presented its report. The bill introduces updates to the Guardian and Wards Act of 1890 and aims to streamline the legal framework for guardianship and custody matters, focusing on the best interests of minors in contemporary contexts. Key changes include provisions for expediting legal procedures and ensuring that decisions prioritize the welfare of children. The bill was passed on November 04, 2024.

On February 26, 2024, Senator Rana Mahmood Ul Hassan (ICT, PPPP) introduced the Wapda University Islamabad Bill, 2024 and it was referred to the relevant Standing Committee. The committee presented its report on August 27, 2024. The bill aims to establish a university dedicated to advancing technical and management education. The university is intended to become a centre of excellence in science, technology, management, and social sciences that will focus on equipping students with practical knowledge and research skills to address national development challenges and foster sustainable economic growth. The motion to pass the bill was moved by Senator Fawzia Arshad (ICT, PTI) on behalf of Senator Rana Mahmood Ul Hassan (ICT, PPPP) and the bill was passed on November 04, 2024.

The Pakistan Animal Science Council Bill, 2023 was introduced in the House on August 07, 2024, and referred to the relevant Standing Committee. It aims establish the Pakistan Animal Science Council (PASC) that will oversee accreditation and regulation of degrees and institutions in fields like Animal Science, Animal Husbandry, Poultry, Dairy, and Fisheries. It also includes provisions for registering graduates, promoting research, and addressing professional concerns in animal sciences. Members will include representatives from academia, provincial governments, and relevant private and public sectors. The committee presented its report on August 30, 2024. . The motion to pass the bill was moved by Senator Kamran Murtaza (Balochistan, JUI-P) and the bill was passed on November 04, 2024.

Ordinances

One (1) ordinance was laid during the 343rd Session of the Senate by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights. The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024 (Ordinance No. VIII of 2024) has changed the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023 (Act XVII of 2023) by, among other things, substituting “a judge of the Supreme Court nominated by the CJP, from time to time” as the third member of the Committee empowered to constitute benches for the second most senior judge. The Ordinance also states that the bench hearing a case under Article 184(3) of the Constitution must “decide and identify through a reasoned and speaking order the question of public importance involved in the matter and the fundamental right which is sought to be enforced”. Additionally, the ordinance mandates that the cases that are filed first will be heard first, and that each hearing would be recorded, with a transcript written and publicized.

The Ordinance was promulgated on September 19, 2024. After the ordinance was presented to the National Assembly and Senate, the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2024 (Act XXXI of 2024) was passed, and on November 4, 2024, the President signed it into law. The following significant changes were made to the original Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023 (Act XVII of 2023) by amending this Act:

  1. Even though the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2024 (Act XXXI of 2024) was approved by the President on November 4, 2024, it went into effect retroactively on October 21, 2024, the day the Constitution (Twenty-sixth Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act XXVI of 2024) went into effect.
  2. The CJP, the senior judge of the Supreme Court, and the senior judge of the Constitutional Benches were once again added to the group that was tasked with creating benches. The second-most senior Supreme Court judge was not included in the Committee’s revised makeup. It further said that the CJP may designate any other Supreme Court judge or member of the Constitutional Benches as a committee member in the event that a committee member declines to serve on the committee.
  3. It was specifically stated that the CJP would serve as the Convenor of the Committee in charge of creating benches. The CJP or the other two Committee members could call a meeting of the Committee under the original Act.
  4. A Constitutional Bench received the appeals against orders issued under Article 184(3) before the Constitution (Twenty-sixth Amendment) Act, 2024 went into effect.

Resolutions

Three (3) Resolutions were passed by the House on the same day, November 04, 2024.

The first resolution was moved by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, (Balochistan, BAP). This resolution addresses the rise in motorcycle accidents and calls on the government to improve safety standards for motorcycles and helmets. It suggested that manufacturers be required to equip motorcycles and helmets with safety features that meet international standards, and advocates for a quality assurance system to enforce these requirements, aiming to reduce fatalities and injuries. It was passed unanimously by the House.

The second resolution was also moved by Senator Samina Zehri, (Balochistan, BAP). This resolution proposes that Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) add a separate category for children of unknown parentage, labelled as “Majhool-un-nasab,” on national ID cards. It aimed to ensure that children without known parentage have appropriate recognition in identity documentation. It was passed unanimously by the House.

Senator Rubina Qaim Khani (Sindh, PPPP) moved the third resolution on behalf of Senator Sherry Rehman (Sindh, PPPP), Senator Pervaiz Rashid (Punjab, PMLN), Senator Kamran Murtaza (Balochistan, JUIP), Senator Danesh Kumar (Balochistan, BAP), Senator Falak Naz (KP, PTI), Senator Zeeshan Khanzada (KP, PTI), Senator Gurdeep Singh (KP, PTI), Senator Fawzia Arshad (ICT, PTI) and Senator Husna Bano (Balochistan, PPPP). This resolution from the Pakistan’s Senate commended the visit of Valentina Matviyenko, Speaker of Russia’s Federation Council, as a significant step in strengthening Pakistan-Russia relations. It acknowledged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between both nations’ parliamentary leaders, promoting parliamentary diplomacy and partnership. It supports strategic collaboration across economic, cultural, and social sectors, aiming to enhance trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and partnerships in education and technology. This cooperation was seen as a pathway to mutual growth, regional stability, and a unified approach to global challenges. It was passed unanimously by the House.

Analysis [4]

On October 19, 2024, discussion began on the 26th Constitutional Amendment. Senator Aimal Wali Khan, (Balochistan, ANP) criticized the PTI for its lack of seriousness in committee meetings and its blanket opposition to amendments proposed by the government and other parties. He commended efforts to block the appointment of judges perceived as partisan and emphasized the need for impartial figures like Justice Qazi Faez Isa in the judiciary. Meanwhile, Senator Farooq Hamid Naek (Sindh, PPPP) highlighted the importance of the amendment in enhancing judicial transparency and independence, asserting that reforms should ensure judges do not select their own appointments.

The formal discussion on the constitutional amendment began on October 20, 2024 when Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab, PML-N), Federal Minister formally introduced the Constitutional (Twenty-sixth Amendment) Bill, 2024. He explained that the primary objectives of the amendment were to ensure greater transparency in the judicial appointment process and to expedite the delivery of justice. Under the amendment, the CJP would be appointed by a 12-member special parliamentary committee, which would consist of representatives from both the National Assembly and the Senate, ensuring bipartisan participation. This committee would select a candidate from the three most senior judges of the Supreme Court, and the nomination would be sent to the Prime Minister for forwarding to the President. Senator Tarar emphasized that the CJP’s tenure would be set to three years and additionally, he highlighted provisions for the establishment of constitutional benches at both the Supreme Court and High Courts to improve judicial efficiency. “The Judicial Commission will have the authority to form constitutional benches,” he added. One of the notable new provisions was the introduction of Article 9-A, which recognized the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a fundamental right.[5]

Senator Syed Ali Zafar (Punjab, PTI) took the floor of the Senate and raised concerns about the amendment. He stated that the PTI had decided not to participate in this legislation for a number of reasons. He pointed out errors in the draft, specifically criticizing the terminology used, which, in his view, could create confusion. Senator Zafar also expressed concerns that many members in the Senate had not adequately reviewed the proposed changes, suggesting that these unaddressed errors could potentially lead to problems down the line. He also conveyed concern that their “abducted comrades will be presented in the House for the constitutional amendment, who will vote by force or for any other reason.” He also added that “voting after coercing, assaulting, and kidnapping people is not consenting; the way the constitutional amendment is being carried out is not only illegal but also against religious values.”[6]

Speaking in support of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, Senator Sherry Rehman (Sindh, PPPP) reaffirmed the PPPP’s backing for policies that would guarantee judicial independence and openness. She maintained that by guaranteeing that appointments were made through an unbiased and equitable procedure, the amendment was a component of a larger initiative to rebuild the judiciary’s reputation. She claimed that Mr. Bilawal Bhutto, the leader of the PPP, worked hard to have the 26th amendment approved by the Parliament. [7]

Senator Maulana Attaur Rehman (KP, JUIP) encouraged the PTI members to support the amendment since they had successfully worked to revise a number of contentious clauses from the package. “We were able to reach 80-90 percent through negotiations, and if someone continues to aim for 100 percent, it would be better for him to leave politics,” he said.[8] Senator Raja Nasir Abbas (Punjab, MWMP) stated that although the Parliament has the authority to change the Constitution, it becomes dubious when individuals are kidnapped and subjected to harassment in order to do this. He asserted that no one would have raised an objection if the revisions had been approved by consensus. He also appreciated efforts made by the JUI-P Chief and said that Maulana Fazlur Rehman has lessened the likelihood of destruction in reference to the constitutional modifications. He underlined that the most crucial aspect of any work is its goal, and that the Parliament has the authority to modify the Constitution.[9] According to Senator Faisal Sabzwari (Sindh, MQMP), pro-people legislation would assist in resolving their problems. He also noted that the Supreme Court would be able to hear matters involving the average person if there were a distinct mechanism (bench) for constitutional and political issues.

After all the remarks were finished, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani (ICT, PPPP) began the voting process on the constitutional amendment bill. The government secured 65 votes and passed the Constitutional Amendment with two-third majority, despite the PTI boycotting the voting process. “Sixty-five members are in favour of the motion regarding the passage of the bill, and four members are against it. So, the motion is carried out by the votes of not less than two-thirds of the total membership of the Senate, and consequently, the bill stands passed,” declared Senator Gilani.[10]

During this crucial sitting, Senator Syed Shibli Faraz (KP, PTI), Opposition leader was notably absent. Moreover, two BNP-backed senators, Senator Naseema Ehsan (Balochistan, IND) and Senator Qasim (Balochistan, BNP), who were allegedly missing and had no contact with their party were presented before the voting process and supported the government’s amendment, which passed with a two-thirds majority. Senator Ehsan arrived in the Senate wearing a face mask, while Senator Qasim was brought in a wheelchair.[11] Later Akhtar Mengal, the leader of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), ordered the two senators from the party to step down right away after they supported the 26th Constitutional Amendment in the Senate.[12]

After passing the 26th Constitutional Amendment, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar (ICT, PML-N), Leader of the House, congratulated everyone, recognized efforts by Prime Minister and PPPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and termed the amendment as the unfulfilled agenda of the Charter of Democracy signed on May 14, 2006 and later backed by nearly everyone including former PM Imran Khan. [13]

The Senate of Pakistan convened a special session on October 28, 2024 to welcome Ms. Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Federal Assembly of the Federation Council of Russia. She underlined the long-standing friendship between Russia and Pakistan, stressing respect for one another and the need to strengthen collaboration in sectors including energy, trade, and agriculture. She also emphasized the possibility of increased cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the areas of agricultural growth and technology transfer. In her speech, Ms. Matvienko stated that Russia is willing to assist Pakistan’s economic development and emphasized its importance as a partner in bolstering global peace and security, particularly in light of Pakistan’s recent appointment to the UN Security Council. She valued Pakistan’s strategic location and its assistance to peacekeeping efforts.[14]

Several Pakistani senators also spoke at the session. Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab, PML-N), Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights, extended gratitude for Russia’s support and stressed the importance of deepening bilateral ties across various sectors. He pointed out the potential for greater collaboration in energy, education, and culture. Senator Syed Ali Zafar (Punjab, PTI) emphasized the importance of inter-parliamentary relationships and called for expanding these to further boost bilateral cooperation. Senator Sherry Rehman (Sindh, PPPP) highlighted the significance of this visit as a milestone in fostering democratic ideals and multilateral engagements between the two nations. Senator Aimal Wali Khan (Balochistan, ANP) and Senator Manzoor Ahmed (Balochistan, BAP) also expressed their support for strengthening ties and exploring new opportunities for cooperation.[15]

Senators also raised various issues through multiple ‘calling attention notices’ and ‘points of public importance’ throughout the session. Senator Kamran Murtaza (Balochistan, JUIP) expressed his concerns regarding incidents of terrorism in Balochistan and KP. According to Senator Atta Ur Rahman (KP, JUIP) the government was showing high handedness on the issue. Senator Aimal Wali Khan (Balochistan, ANP) and Senator Hidayatullah Khan (KP, ANP) drew the government’s attention, specifically that of the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, towards the issue of hunger strike of academics and teaching stuff of Balochistan University due to non-payment of salaries to which Mr. Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture, responded that the concerns will be looked upon. Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani (ICT, PPPP) referred to matter to concerned Standing Committee.

Senator Bilal Ahmed Khan (Balochistan, PPPP) raised an issue regarding the derogatory remarks about Pashtuns in O-level Urdu book, that raised concerns among Senators to which the matter was referred to Standing Committee on Education and he also emphasized federal government’s role in overseeing the educational content.[16]

Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan (Sindh, PPPP) spoke regarding the issues of excessive billing and load shedding by K-Electric in Karachi. Subsequently, the Presiding Officer Saleem Mandviwalla (Sindh, PPPP) referred the matter to the concerned Standing Committee. Senator Danesh Kumar (Balochistan, BAP) expressed his concerns regarding absence of Ministers and Suspension of Question Hour during the Session. Senator Sajid Mir (Punjab, PML-N) and Senator Khalil Tahir (Punjab, PML-N) spoke regarding the human rights violations in Gaza, Palestine.

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 4 hours and 31 minutes.[17]

References

  1. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, “Unpacking the amendment,” Dawn online, October 27, 2024, accessed November 7, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1867912/unpacking-the-amendment. ↑

  2. It must be noted that all the bills mentioned were referred to relevant Standing Committees after introduction. ↑

  3. Ibid. ↑

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

  5. “Law minister presents 26th Constitutional Amendment in Senate,” The Express Tribune online, October 18, 2024, accessed October 20, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2504130/law-minister-presents-26th-constitutional-amendment-in-senate. ↑

  6. Iftikhar A. Khan, “Senators berate PTI for opposing amendment,” Dawn online, October 21 2024, accessed October 24, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1866577. ↑

  7. “After Senate approval, 26th constitutional bill sails through National Assembly,” Dunya News online, October 21, 2024, accessed October 24, 2024. https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/845283-after-senate-approval-26th-constitutional-bill-sails-through-national. ↑

  8. Iftikhar A. Khan, “Senators berate PTI for opposing amendment,” Dawn online, October 21 2024, accessed October 24, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1866577. ↑

  9. Mumtaz Alvi, “PM, Bilawal greet nation over amendment,” The News online, October 21, 2024, accessed October 25, 2024. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1242306-pm-bilawal-greet-nation-over-amendment. ↑

  10. Sardar Sikander Shaheen, Naveed Butt and Zulfiqar Ahmad, “Senate passes 26th constitutional amendment bill,” Business Recorder online, October 21, 2024, accessed October 25, 2024. https://www.brecorder.com/news/40328142/senate-passes-26th-constitutional-amendment-bill. ↑

  11. Ibid. ↑

  12. “Akhtar Mengal orders senators to resign for supporting constitutional amendment,” The Express Tribune online, October 20, 2024, accessed October 26, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2504134/akhtar-mengal-calls-upcoming-constitutional-amendment-a-circus-in-parliament. ↑

  13. “Dar hints at 100 amendments to CrPC,” The News online, October 21, 2024, accessed October 26, 2024. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1242301-dar-hints-at-100-amendments-to-crpc. ↑

  14. “Speaker of Russian federation council arrives in Pakistan for high-level talks” Pakistan Today online October 27, 2024 accessed October 29, 2024. https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/10/27/speaker-of-russian-federation-council-arrives-in-pakistan-for-high-level-talks/. ↑

  15. “Senate of Pakistan Live,” Senate of Pakistan on YouTube, October 28, 2024, accessed October 29, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4CIvILDeTI&t=12s. ↑

  16. “Senate body concerned about derogatory remarks against Pakhtuns in O level book,” Dawn online, November 06, 2024, accessed November 07, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1870193. ↑

  17. 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. ↑