Role and Functioning of the Senate of Pakistan:A Historical Perspective (2012-2018)

Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.

Department of History

By: Dilawar Hussain

Supervised By: Dr. Farah Gul Baqai

Academic Level: PhD

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Abstract

This study explores the constitutional role, embedded in the Constitution, of the Senate of Pakistan as a chamber of provinces and appraises its legislative and non-legislative policy work it performed as a federal second chamber in the years between 2012 and 2018. The Senate lies in the heart of the federal parliament where it not only oversees the policies of the federal government but also complements the National Assembly in legislative deliberations and policy debates. The primary constitutional role of the Senate is to advance the concerns of the provinces at federal level. Yet its territorial role as a chamber of provinces is relatively less understood. A very few research studies rendered on the subject do little mention of the legislative and non-legislative policy work of the Senate. This study not only explores the constitutional role of the Senate but also appraises its manifestation in the legislative business transacted during the period in focus. The study employs an exploratory-analytical approach, along with blend of qualitative and quantitative methods.
The Constitution Pakistan, 1973 introduced a bicameral federal parliament where the National Assembly represents the principle of population, whereas the Senate represents the principle of territory. The population based representation of the provinces is provided in the Assembly whereas the Senate provides equal regional representation to all provinces irrespective of their demographic size. The Assembly is elected directly on the principle of one person one vote, whereas the senators are elected indirectly by the Provincial Assemblies. The Senate enjoys co-equal legislative powers with that of the Assembly except for the financial powers that rest with the latter only.
For assessing the extent of the effectiveness with which the Senate performs its role as a federal second chamber, it is necessary to understand the broader institutional environment in which it operates. The present study argues that the predominance of the Assembly in the parliamentary procedures combined with the majoritarian parliamentary regime type undermines and substantially influences the performance of the senators as the representatives of the provinces. Based on evidences, the study infers that amongst other impeding factors, it is party discipline that played an adverse role in affecting the legislative behavior of the senators during the period under study. Predictions aside, it is hoped that the present study will generate a debate on varied aspects of the contemporary Senate. It may be of help to parliamentarians, political parties, voluntary organizations and the general public alike.

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On the direction of the Chairman Senate/President PIPS Board of Governors, the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), has implemented a comprehensive set of measures aimed at ensuring fiscal discipline, operational efficiency, and responsible utilization of public resources, on the same lines as notified and adopted by the Senate and National Assembly Secretariats.

Under the new measures, the Institute has adopted a four-day working week (Monday to Thursday), while introducing a hybrid working model whereby 50% of staff will perform duties from the office and 50% will work remotely on a rotational basis. Employees working from home will remain fully accessible through digital communication platforms and may be required to report to the office on short notice, ensuring uninterrupted institutional functioning.

Significant steps have also been taken to promote energy conservation. These include a target of achieving up to 70% reduction in energy consumption through minimizing unnecessary use of electricity and ensuring that official meetings, trainings, and events are scheduled during daylight hours. Foreign tours are banned and international meetings are being held virtually.

In the transport section, PIPS has introduced strict measures to curtail expenditure and 70% official vehicles have been grounded as part of this initiative.

As part of broader austerity efforts, 20% reduction has been imposed on the non-ERE budget for the fourth quarter of the current financial year. The officers drawing a monthly salary of PKR 300,000 or more, shall surrendered two days salary or 5% to 30% salary on gross as per Federal Government decision.

The Institute has also discontinued all non-essential procurements with immediate effect. Official functions such as dinners and receptions will not be hosted, except in the case of visiting foreign delegations, and even then, strictly in accordance with austerity protocols.

These measures have been implemented with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.

Under the guidance of President PIPS Board of Governors, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, PIPS remains fully committed to maintaining its core functions of parliamentary support, capacity building, and research while contributing proactively to national austerity and sustainability goals.