A History of Representative Institutions in Pakistan: Case Study of Senate (1973-77)

UNIVERSITY OF THE PUNJAB

FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

By: FAUZIA RASHID

Supervised By: Prof. Dr. Mahboob Hussain

Academic Level: PhD

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Abstract

This research is aimed to explore the institution of senate of Pakistan from its start 1973 to 1977. This study is focused on the working of senate as an institution of Pakistan. For comprehensive understanding of the institutionalization of first senate of Pakistan, cases and workings and its implications is included in the study. Relationship of senate with other state institutions i.e. executive, bureaucracy and military and he role of senate in federal politicsare also explored. Moreover, political leadership of the era is included in the discussion for highlighting their contributions in federal politics. Both primary and secondary data sources indicated that the institution of first senate established in 1973 based on the constitution of 1973 in which parliamentary system was adopted. This research work intends to describe institutional history of first senate of Pakistan during its starting phase, it has been analyzed that what was senate’s actual formation, objective and what did it delivered in return to the country and what was first senate’s contribution in politics. Apart from the fact that many other factors were there too which didn’t let senate to be strong and to flourish completely to make Pakistan a democratically strong country. Achievements and failures of the Senate has been focused in the context of main attributes of the institutionalization namely differentiation, durability, and autonomy indicators borrowed from McGuire (2002) has been applied. The study try to answered the main question, whether external forces are the main determinants to hamper the performance of the Senate. While answering the history of institutionalization in Pakistan from 1973-1977 has been explored. Moreover, the interrelationship between Senate and other institutions of Pakistan such as bureaucracy, judiciary, and army has been examined. It has also evaluate that what was result of this interference and how it actually affect the first strong institute of Pakistan. The researchhas try to analyze the influence and powers of the senate which was apparently strong but in fact was weaker than bureaucracy. The functions of senate institution were highlighted and projected to be stronger than those of bureaucracy but in fact the real functionary was the bureaucracy. Much work has been produced to highlight the role of various institutions such as military, bureaucracy, political parties in politics of Pakistan but historian generally ignored the significant role of the senate as an institution. Although in modern democratic scenario it is playing key role to protect and promote democracy and to protect the interests of federal unites of the country.

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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.