Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat convened under the leadership of Senator Rana Mahmood Ul Hassan at Parliament House to deliberate on pivotal legislative matters and longstanding issues. The Committee examined “The National Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025” and “The Federal Employees Benevolent Fund and Group Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2026,” while also addressing concerns related to the Warrants of Precedence and the status of Federal Employees Benevolent Fund and Group Insurance (FEB&GI) employees.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the Committee engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the Warrants of Precedence, with Senator Anusha Rehman raising questions about the delay in reviewing the framework. Concerns were expressed over the current precedence of constitutional office holders above elected parliamentarians. The review committee under the Secretary, Cabinet Division, has not convened recently, with recommendations now under consideration by the Prime Minister’s Office. The Committee Chairman decided to write to the Prime Minister, suggesting a reconstitution of the review committee, and proposed a joint meeting with the National Assembly Standing Committee to address the issue.

The Committee also considered amendments to the National Disaster Management Bill, with input from the Law Division highlighting constitutional requirements for provincial resolutions. The amendments aim to enhance oversight of disaster management funds, with a recommendation to refer the bill to the Senate Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination for further consultation.

In reviewing the Federal Employees Benevolent Fund and Group Insurance Bill, the Committee discussed providing government employees with options for their contributory amounts upon retirement. Despite opposition from officials due to financial constraints, a sub-committee was proposed to examine potential reforms. The Committee also addressed the termination of FEB&GI employees hired in 2012, urging a reconsideration of their cases in light of their service history.

A scheduled briefing on electricity tariffs and related energy matters was deferred due to the absence of the mover. The Committee’s discussions underscored the need for comprehensive reform and collaborative legislative efforts.