ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges, led by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, convened at Parliament Lodges to examine a controversial article published in Daily Dawn. The article, “The Stealth Cost of Legislature,” was allegedly influenced by Nadeem ul Haque, the former Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE).

According to a statement by Senate of Pakistan, Senator Saadia Abbasi, who initiated the privilege motion, criticized the former vice chancellor for allegedly distorting facts in an attempt to foster public animosity towards parliamentarians. She accused Nadeem ul Haque of misbehaving with committee members in a previous meeting and making disparaging comments about government policies. Abbasi further stated that Haque, who has been convicted of workplace harassment by the Federal Ombudsman, cannot justify his criticism of government salaries.

Senator Tallal Chaudhary also addressed the article, asserting that Pakistani parliamentarians are among the lowest paid in Asia. The acting vice chancellor of PIDE informed the committee that actions have been taken against Haque, including the issuance of a show cause notice.

The committee has requested details on the selection process of the former vice chancellor and an account of his work during his tenure. Additionally, the committee considered a privilege motion by Senator Chaudhary against Nadia Saqib, Secretary of Primary Health, Government of Punjab, for not responding to his communications over four months, despite previous professional interactions. Senator Dost Ali Jeesar highlighted the issue as indicative of broader challenges faced by the public in accessing government officials.

Ms. Saqib explained that she had not received the senator’s calls and had lost previous records due to incorrect passcodes. She apologized for the oversight, and the committee accepted her apology, concluding the matter.

The meeting was attended by senators Saadia Abbasi, Dost Ali Jeesar, Tallal Chaudhary, Prof. Sajid Mir, Secretary of Parliamentary Affairs Humaira Ahmed, and other senior officials.