Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges convened on Wednesday at the Parliament Lodges in Islamabad to address privilege motions and institutional accountability. Chaired by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, the meeting highlighted serious breaches of parliamentary directives, including the non-production of Senator Ejaz Chaudhry during a crucial budget session.

The Committee unanimously rejected an inquiry report from the Punjab Home Department concerning the absence of Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, despite production orders issued earlier in the year. Chairman Waqar Mehdi emphasized the need for compliance, insisting that Chaudhry must attend the next parliamentary session. This demand followed expressions of dissatisfaction from committee members over Chaudhry’s continued absence.

Senator Saadia Abbasi and Senator Dr. Humayun Mohmand strongly criticized the violation of the Chairman Senate’s privilege, questioning the effectiveness of parliamentary authority if such breaches persist. The Committee resolved to ensure Chaudhry’s presence at subsequent meetings.

In other discussions, the Committee addressed a privilege motion against Secretary Communication and Works, Balochistan, Mr. Lal Jan Jaffar. Senator Mir Dostain Khan Domki highlighted Jaffar’s repeated absences from Committee proceedings and presented evidence of unacknowledged communication attempts. Although Jaffar apologized during the meeting, the motion was postponed for further examination, and a letter will be sent to the Chief Secretary of Balochistan to inquire about Jaffar’s service record.

Additional motions included a deferred report on a missing official file, an accepted apology from Deputy Secretary Izazullah Shah for misleading information, and a hearing on misconduct by the Chief Operating Officer of Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation.

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to parliamentary accountability and upholding the Senate’s authority. The meeting was attended by several senators, including Dost Ali Jeesar, Syed Faisal Ali Sabzwari, and others.