Federal bicameralism has recently received considerable scholarly attention. However, few studies have investigated the challenges that second chambers usually face in parliamentary federations in the face of stronger popular chambers (lower houses). Therefore, this study investigates the Senate’s position as a federal chamber compared to its counterparts in contemporary parliamentary federations. The paper shows that the Senate has received co-equal legislative powers (compared to National Assembly of Pakistan), and performs considerable oversight role since the federation has adopted the 18th Constitutional Amendment. Being an indirectly elected body, it can claim more democratic legitimacy than appointed or nominated federal chambers. Similarly, the Senate is among those second chambers that provide parity representation to constituent units irrespective of their population size. Besides, the disparity between sizes of two chambers in Pakistani parliament is not exceptional. National Assembly-to-Senate membership ratio is also comparable with Canada, Austria, and Malaysia. This comparison demonstrates that the Senate of Pakistan is not a deviant case, and it fulfills the requirements of a federal chamber. As compared to its Asian counterparts—the Indian Rajya Sabha and the Malaysian Dewan Negara, it appears a more influential house. Several reforms suggested by ethno-regional groups, such as powers related to election of Prime Minister, approval of budget, and endorsement of international treaties are not compatible with parliamentary system of government. Nevertheless, the centralized nature of party system, electoral malpractices, and weakening of democratic institutions are the factors that limit the federal role of Senate in Pakistan.