Tag: Senate

  • Senate approves resolution asking for delay in elections

    Senate approves resolution asking for delay in elections

    The Pakistani Senate has approved a resolution to postpone the general elections scheduled for February 8 in the country.

    Senator Dilawar Khan tabled the resolution in the sparsely attended Upper House which garnered required support despite opposition from Information Minister Murtaza Solangi and Senator Afnan Ullah Khan of the Muslim League (N).

    13 out of 14 senators present in the House voted in favor of the resolution.

    As Senator Dilawar read the resolution out loud, he said that the Constitution upheld the right to vote for every citizen of Pakistan, and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was bound to conduct free and fair polls contingent upon inclusivity and ensuring the participation of all regional people.

    “The vote turnout in colder areas remains notably high during the moderate weather conditions. January and February are recognised as the coldest months in the majority of the areas in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said.

    Senator Dilawar Khan cited severe cold weather prevalent in many regions, making participation in those areas challenging.

    He also highlighted recent security incidents, including attacks on Mohsin Dawar and members of Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), as well as security forces in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

    Aimal Wali of the ANP also expressed reservations over the elections.

    During the debate, Senator Dilawar Khan emphasized the existence of threats against individuals during election rallies, underscoring the need to address these security challenges before proceeding with the elections.

    He proposed delaying the February 8 election schedule and called for the Election Commission to act, expressing trust in the Senate Election Commission.

    Senator Afnan Ullah Khan of the Muslim League (N) opposed the resolution, seeking to validate Senator Dilawar Khan’s concerns.

    He acknowledged security challenges but argued that conditions were not as dire as in 2008 and 2013 when elections proceeded under more adverse circumstances.

    Afnan Ullah questioned the rationale behind using security as a pretext for postponing the elections, expressing skepticism about the proposed delay, questioning whether Great Britain and the United States postponed elections during major conflicts.

    He asserted that using weather conditions as a reason for election delay was unfounded, pointing out that elections had been held twice in adverse circumstances before.

    Information Minister Murtaza Solangi also voiced his opposition to the resolution. However, despite these objections, the Senate moved forward, approving the resolution to postpone the general elections slated for February 8.

    The controversy surrounding the decision continues, with differing opinions on the validity of the reasons presented for delaying the electoral process.

  • PPP gears up for seat adjustment and alliances

    PPP gears up for seat adjustment and alliances

    As general elections in Pakistan draw near, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has set its dialogue committee into action, assigning them crucial tasks related to discussions with other political parties and politicians.

    The committee has been mandated to schedule meetings with national and provincial figures to explore possibilities of seat adjustments in the upcoming polls slated for February 8 next year.

    Chaired by PPP Secretary General Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, the committee convened on Monday, with PPP President Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Muhammad Bacha and PPP Information Secretary Faisal Karim Kundi in attendance.

    Qamar Zaman Kaira and Sajid Turi participated through video link.

    During the inaugural meeting focused on Punjab and KP, the committee delved into the overall political situation in the country and the upcoming elections.

    Bukhari, in the meeting, delegated responsibilities to committee members, tasking them with arranging meetings with key national and provincial political figures.

    The committee collectively resolved to organise separate negotiation committee meetings for each of the four provinces, aiming to forge alliances and discuss potential collaborations.

    The formation of the committee was approved by Asif Ali Zardari last week on November 25, with a well-planned strategy to engage in discussions with various political entities.

    According to a notification released on Saturday, a five-member committee formed for Punjab and K-P includes Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Faisal Karim Kundi, Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha and Sajid Toori.

    A two-member committee for Sindh includes Saeed Ghani and Syed Nasir Hussain Shah while a three-member committee for Baluchistan includes Changez Khan Jamali, Rozi Khan Kakar and Sabir Ali Baloch.

    This move comes in response to the efforts of the Nawaz Sharif-led Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to form alliances with political parties, particularly in Sindh, considered a PPP stronghold. PML-N members recently initiated talks on alliances and seat adjustments with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) to counter the PPP’s influence in Sindh.

    Facing challenges in its historical stronghold, particularly with the formation of an anti-PPP coalition, the PPP aims to solidify its political position by actively seeking alliances and seat-to-seat adjustments ahead of the upcoming general elections.

  • Senate passed resolution against Supreme Court decision on civilian trials in military courts

    The Senate of Pakistan passed a resolution on Monday against the Supreme Court’s decision on civilians’ trial in the military courts, urging that the implementation of the judgment be stopped “unless it is considered by a larger bench.”

    A five member bench of Supreme Court (SC) last month unanimously declared civilians’ trial in military courts null and void.

    “Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing the trials of civilians and accused persons, being around 103 persons […] shall be tried by criminal courts of competent jurisdiction established under the ordinary and/or special law of the land in relation to such offences of which they may stand accused,” the short order read.

    Independent Senator Dilawar Khan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) moved the resolution on Monday, stating that the decision is legally flawed as the larger bench did not announce the verdict and should not be implemented.
    The resolution observed with “apprehension that the invalidation of the jurisdiction of army courts is likely to facilitate vandals and abettors of terrorism and anti-state activities”.

    “The Senate of Pakistan calls upon the apex court to reconsider its decision, urging alignment with the national security paradigm and sacrifices of the martyrs in order to address the concerns raised regarding the ramifications of the judgment on the security and stability of the nation.”

  • Senate approves bill for public hanging of rapists despite opposition

    Senate approves bill for public hanging of rapists despite opposition

    A Senate committee has passed an amended bill for the public hanging of rapists despite strong opposition from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), interior and foreign affairs ministries.

    The bill, proposed by Senator Mushtaq Ahmed of Jamaat-i-Islami, aims to amend sections 375, 375A, and 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and Schedule II of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrCP).

    The Senate Standing Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Mohsin Aziz, discussed the amendments to remove section D and introduce public hangings for rapists. The demand for public hangings gained momentum following the gang-rape incident on the Lahore-Sialkot motorway in September 2020

    Senator Sherry Rehman of PPP strongly opposed public hangings. She also took to X (former Twitter) to express her disapproval.

    “I strongly opposed public hangings being introduced in a bill in Senate Interior Committee by JI colleague Sen Mushtaq. There is no proven link between deterrence & public executions, let alone death penalty. Quite the contrary. Sorry to see others arguing for a further brutalisation of society. Ziaul Haq introduced public punishments, what did that do? Rape and human rights crimes went up and have been going up ever since. The PPP opposes such laws.”

    The committee also approved the “Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, which focuses on proper treatment and medical examination reports for rape victims through public and private hospitals. The bill was moved by Senator Mumtaz Zehri.

    They addressed the issue of private jails and passed the “Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, co-sponsored by Senators Mushtaq Ahmed and Samina Mumtaz Zehri to deter false imprisonment within residences.

    Other bills were discussed during the session, including one temporarily rejected due to its sub judice status, and another was rejected.

    The committee also passed the “Rain Water Harvesting Facility in Urban Areas, Bill 2023,” to efficiently utilize rainwater, supported by CDA representatives.

    Senator Irfan Siddiqui raised concerns about a missing bill for almost 15 months and decided to request a detailed report on the matter from relevant officials.The meeting was attended by various senators, including Saifullah Abro, Samina Mumtaz Zehri, and Sherry Rehman, as well as bill movers Senator Mushtaq Ahmed and Palwasha Khan, along with government representatives.

  • New tax to be imposed on citizens soon

    New tax to be imposed on citizens soon

    The local government has unveiled a new tax that has drawn mixed reactions from citizens. 

    This latest tax, to be imposed in lieu of garbage collection, will be collected from households, shops, petrol pumps, and industrial units on a monthly basis.

    Starting from October, Multan and its neighboring areas will see this sanitation tax in effect. The tax rates are set at Rs50 for houses, Rs200 for shops, Rs1,000 for petrol pumps, and Rs2,000 for industrial unit owners on a monthly basis. 

    The government anticipates an annual revenue boost of approximately Rs4.28 billion through this tax initiative. However, the move has not been met with unanimous approval among citizens, many of whom have criticised it. 

    Meanwhile, amid ongoing discussions concerning the surging costs of electricity production in Pakistan, the Kot Addu Power Company has submitted an application to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), seeking approval for what could potentially become the country’s most expensive electricity generation tariff.

    The proposal suggests an electricity tariff of Rs77.31 per unit, a significant increase from the current rate of twenty-eight rupees per unit. The power company attributes this substantial hike to rising production costs.

    Notably, the Kot Addu Power Company recently secured a sixteen-month extension during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) administration. However, this extension has not escaped controversy, as the Senate Power Committee has declared it illegal, further fueling the debate over electricity tariffs in the country.

  • Pakistan International Airlines faces potential Rs259 billion loss by 2030

    Pakistan International Airlines faces potential Rs259 billion loss by 2030

    Pakistan’s Aviation Minister, Khawaja Saad Rafique, delivered a grave warning on Friday about the precarious financial state of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). He highlighted that without swift corrective action, the airline could incur staggering losses of up to Rs259 billion by 2030. To salvage the national carrier from its mounting debts, Minister Rafique urgently called for essential measures, including the transfer of administrative control to the private sector.

    Minister Rafique’s concerns were voiced during his address on the Senate floor, where he presented “The Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (Conversion) (Amendment) Bill, 2023.” He stressed the critical need for foreign direct investment (FDI) and the involvement of private entities to ensure the long-term sustainability of PIA, which currently grapples with an overwhelming debt burden of Rs742 billion.

    However, the proposal faced strong opposition from several senators during the proceedings. As a result, the Senate chairman referred the matter to the relevant standing committee for further evaluation, acknowledging the significance of FDI and private sector participation in transforming PIA into a profitable entity.

    The deliberations also witnessed PTI lawmakers raising concerns about the quorum, prompting a fifteen-minute bell ringing to meet the attendance requirement. Once the quorum was restored, House proceedings resumed to discuss the fate of PIA.

    The key provision of the bill proposes an amendment to Section 3, which specifies that the company’s shareholders would retain the same number of fully paid shares while preserving their existing rights and privileges. Additionally, the federal government could, through an official gazette notification, issue fresh shares or cancel existing ones as needed during the validity period.

    The destiny of Pakistan International Airlines now lies in the hands of the standing committee, tasked with thoroughly scrutinising the bill and its proposed amendments. The committee’s decision will significantly impact the future of the struggling airline and determine whether privatisation and foreign investment can pave the way for PIA’s financial recovery.

  • Senate drops bill to outlaw ‘violent, radical’ groups in politics

    Senate drops bill to outlaw ‘violent, radical’ groups in politics

    Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani has dropped the controversial Prohibition of Extremism bill that could potentially ban “any extremist or violent” organisation in the political sphere.

    The bill, presented by State Minister Shahadat Awan, was dropped when members expressed anger over the legalisation.

    The Senate Chairman said, “The government can decide whether it wants to pursue this bill or not […] but for now, I am dropping it”.

    A majority of Senators, including the Balochistan National Party’s (BNP) Tahir Bizenjo, opposed the bill, expressing their displeasure that such choices are taken only at the wish of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) without any consultations.

    A sizable chunk of senators have said that the bill is “dangerous for democracy”.

    Jamaat-e-Islami’s Senator Mushtaq Ahmed said that “This bill will be the last nail in democracy’s coffin.”

  • Upto 2-years imprisonment, fines for defaming the Army; Senate approves Army Act amendments

    Upto 2-years imprisonment, fines for defaming the Army; Senate approves Army Act amendments

    The Army Act Amendment Bill has sailed through the Senate on Thursday after Defence Minister Khwaja Asif presented it in the Upper House. The Senate session was chaired by the Chairman of the Senate, Sadiq Sanjrani.

    According to the bill, the disclosure of official information obtained in national interest will be punished by up to 5 years in jail, while anyone who discloses information against the interests of Pakistan or the Pakistan Army will be dealt with under the Secrets Act or Army Act.

    According to the bill, a person on sensitive duty will not become involved in any political activity. Violation of the rule can be sentenced by up to 2 years of imprisonment.

    Any person involved in electronic crimes whose aim is to defame the Army will be prosecuted under Electronic Crimes. It is further stated in the bill that a person involved in defaming the Army or spreading hatred against it will also be sentenced with to up to 2 years imprisonment and fines.

    While this was happening, Senator Mian Raza Rabbani of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) staged a walkout from the Senate, calling the passage of several bills in one day “blind legislation.”

  • Here are all the perks that past, present and future chairman Senate might be getting soon

    Here are all the perks that past, present and future chairman Senate might be getting soon

    On last Friday, the Senate unanimously passed a private member bill that gives many privileges to present and retired Chairmen of the Upper House, The News has reported.

    According to sources, the National Assembly has also approved the bill and it will now be sent to the President for his approval.

    When the bill will be enforced, current chairman and ex-chairman Senate will be possibly getting the following perks and privileges:

    -Every chairman of the Senate after completing his tenure (post-retirement) will 12 employees for life, along with six permanent guards and VVIP security wherever he goes.
    -He can request an airplane for himself and his family for domestic and international travel.

    -He will get additional benefits, not mentioned in the bill, or whatever he desires from the finance committee, which he handpicks.

    -Every person who has held the office of Chairman for a full term of three years, shall be entitled for life to full security detail, that is to say, six sentries at the declared residence, four personnel of police, anti-terrorism force, rangers, frontier corps or frontier constabulary in one squad vehicle, for which the federal government in Islamabad, or a provincial government in the respective province, shall make the required arrangements.

    -The Finance Committee of the Senate may grant the chairman and the person who has held such office for a full term of three years, such additional privileges as it may deem fit

    -The chairman of the Senate will be entitled to the protocol of deputy head of state or vice president. For his foreign travel, he shall also be entitled to requisition at the cost of government an airplane belonging to the federal, provincial government, armed forces, any flying club or any chartered air service provider.

    -The chairman shall be allowed to take with him one member of his family when travelling by a commercial airplane or four members of his family when travelling by a requisitioned airplane.

    -Free telephone facility at residence, official residence, free furnishing at the cost of public money, free official vehicles for self and family, free petrol, sumptuary allowance, allowance on taking up and laying down the office, equipment allowance, TA/DA are in addition to the salary of the chairman.

  • President, Speaker NA, Chairman Senate decide to perform Hajj together

    President Dr Arif Alvi, Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani have decided to perform Hajj together, Urdu News has reported.

    The absence of the three key officials could create a constitutional crisis in the country.

    According to the constitution, when the president is not present in the country, the chairman of the senate performs the duties of the acting president. The oath of the Senate Chairman also includes the oath of the Acting President.

    If both the President and the Senate Chairman are out of the country, the Speaker of the National Assembly takes over the position of Acting President.