ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice convened under the chairmanship of Senator Farooq H. Naek to address multiple issues, including the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) briefing, proposed amendments to the Juvenile Justice System, and disparities in the compensation of law officers at federal and provincial levels. The NAB briefing was postponed, and discussions on the Juvenile Justice System and law officers’ compensation led to further directives for future committee meetings.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee’s agenda included a briefing by the Chairman NAB. However, the Chairman did not attend, prompting Deputy Chairman NAB Sohail Nasir to request a postponement for a more comprehensive presentation. In the absence of the Chairman, Senator Kamran Murtaza highlighted NAB’s prior commitment to a personal briefing, emphasizing the committee’s role as an extension of Parliament. Senator Naek directed NAB to finalize preparations by July for an August meeting.
Senator Sarmad Ali introduced the Juvenile Justice System (Amendment) Bill, proposing the prohibition of the death penalty for those under 18 and specialized training for judges. The Secretary of the Ministry of Law and Justice noted existing similar amendments in Islamabad. Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro discussed the legislative authority differences between federal and provincial levels. The committee deferred further discussion pending a written position from the Secretary of Law and a comparative analysis of provincial juvenile justice laws.
The committee also addressed salary disparities between federal and provincial law officers. The Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, acknowledged the differences, with Senator Ghumro questioning private practice engagements by law officers. Senator Naek called for enhanced salaries and benefits for federal officers if private practice remains barred. He directed the Ministry to draft comprehensive rules for consideration at the next meeting.
The session included participation from Senators Kamran Murtaza, Zamir Hussain Ghumro, Abdul Qadir, and senior ministry officials.