Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges Calls for Immediate Action over Breaches of Parliamentary Orders
The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges has expressed serious concern over violations of parliamentary protocols, demanding immediate action to uphold the authority of the Senate. During a session held at the Old PIPS Hall in Islamabad, the committee, chaired by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, addressed issues related to privilege breaches, non-compliance with production orders, and accountability within government departments.
A key focus of the meeting was the committee’s outright rejection of the inquiry report submitted by the Punjab Home Department concerning Senator Ejaz Chaudhry’s non-production during the recent Budget session. Despite multiple Production Orders issued by the Chairman Senate on January 13 and March 7, 2025, Senator Mehdi emphasized the need for strict implementation of parliamentary orders. “We want the orders of the Chairman Senate to be implemented,” he stated, adding that Senator Ejaz Chaudhry must be presented in the next session, a directive the committee deemed non-negotiable. The committee expressed strong displeasure over his continued absence, questioning why he was not brought before the parliament despite repeated assurances, thereby violating the privileges of the Senate’s leadership.
Senator Saadia Abbasi underscored the gravity of the breach, affirming that the privilege of the Chairman Senate has been violated and warning that neglecting such violations undermines the authority of parliamentary institutions. Similarly, Senator Dr. Humayun Mohmand highlighted the necessity of scrutinizing departments and offices that fail to comply with government directives issued by senior parliamentary figures.
In addition to the Ejaz Chaudhry issue, the committee discussed a privilege motion against Secretary Communication & Works (C&W) Balochistan, Mr. Lal Jan Jaffar, moved by Senator Mir Dostain Khan Domki. The matter arose after allegations of non-responsiveness and contradictory statements by the secretary, who failed to answer calls during the committee’s inquiries. During the session, Lal Jan Jaffar issued an apology for his absence, resulting in the privilege motion being postponed for further review in the next meeting. The committee also decided to request the Chief Secretary of Balochistan to furnish a detailed service record and information regarding Lal Jan Jaffar’s recruitment and cadre changes.
Further, the committee discussed a privilege motion against Deputy Secretary Izazullah Shah of the Ministry of Information Technology, regarding charges of misleading the minister during a previous session. The chairperson, Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai, along with other members, reprimanded the deputy secretary, after which the matter was noted but not further adjudicated.
Additional agenda items included a deferred report concerning the missing official file of House No. 622, Street No. 99, Sector I-10/4, Islamabad, raised by Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan, and a motion related to misconduct by Mr. Asad Ullah, Chief Operating Officer of Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation, during a session in May. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining parliamentary accountability and upholding the sanctity of its authority.
The meeting was attended by notable senators, including Dost Ali Jeesar, Faisal Ali Sabzwari, Faisal Saleem Rahman, Saadia Abbasi, Raja Nasir Abbas, Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Nadeem Ahmed Bhutoo, Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, Mir Dostain Khan Domki, and Syed Masroor Ahsan, reflecting a broad parliamentary consensus on strengthening procedural discipline and accountability mechanisms.
