Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani reiterated the need for tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence while marking the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, calling on parliamentarians, media, educational institutions and civil society to counter divisive narratives. He warned that hate speech threatens social cohesion and democratic values and stressed the responsible use of digital and social media as part of broader efforts toward Senate digital reform.
Syed Hasnain Haider, Secretary Senate, briefed members that the Employees Welfare Fund is sustained entirely through voluntary contributions by senators and Senate staff and provides financial assistance to employees in Grades 1 to 15 for emergencies such as marriage and bereavement. Chairman Senate directed that the fund be strengthened and expanded, and asked for voluntary contribution forms to be recirculated to encourage wider participation.
Observing that salaries of both senators and Senate employees have risen over time, Gilani urged a review of the fund’s financial framework and operational structure to maximise benefits. He proposed consultations with insurance companies to explore sustainable welfare models and formed a sub-committee to prepare recommendations for the main committee. The panel includes Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Senator Nasir Mehmood Butt and Senator Aamir Waliuddin Chishti.
During the meeting Senator Aamir Waliuddin Chishti recommended extending Hajj opportunities to Senate employees in line with other public institutions, announced personal support to send two employees for Hajj and pledged a monthly contribution of Rs100,000 from his own salary to the Employees Welfare Fund.
Gilani also chaired a high-level session to review progress on the Senate Mobile Application, describing the project as a central element of the Secretariat’s technology-driven transformation agenda. Secretary Haider outlined the app’s development and key features, noting that it has been built using internal resources and expertise as part of a drive for Senate digital reform that aims to improve governance, transparency and administrative efficiency.
The application will give senators secure access to parliamentary business, Senate sessions, standing committee information, official notifications, legislative documents and schedules on smartphones and tablets, with special emphasis on user-friendliness, security and accessibility. The initiative aligns with strengthening the E-Office system, is expected to reduce delays and paper consumption, and will be followed by training and awareness sessions to ensure effective use by senators.
Chairman Senate praised the Senate Secretariat officials and technical team for their work and reaffirmed his commitment to innovation and institutional modernisation. He appealed to citizens to reject intolerance and work together for an inclusive society while the Secretariat continues to pursue technology-driven and sustainable administrative reforms to meet evolving governance needs.
