Islamabad: The Senate Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of the Federal Minister for Education and Secretary Education during its recent meeting. The Committee, which convened to address several privilege motions, decided to establish a subcommittee to investigate issues related to the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD).

According to Senate of Pakistan, the meeting included discussions on a motion by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt regarding alleged non-compliance by the PIFD Vice Chancellor with Senate Committee directives. The absence of key education officials drew criticism from the Committee, which emphasized the importance of informing the Committee in writing when unable to attend. The Committee resolved to issue show-cause notices to university Senate members who failed to participate in a Zoom meeting.

Senator Bushra Anjum Butt raised concerns about the impartiality of ongoing inquiries, alleging pressure on teachers involved. She called for a fair examination of complaints she had forwarded in her role as Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training. The Committee Chair directed the formation of a subcommittee to comprehensively examine the PIFD matter, summoning 13 individuals for their input.

The Committee also addressed a privilege motion by Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan regarding remarks by a doctor at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) following her social media post about hospital conditions. The Committee stressed the need for improved facilities at public hospitals and accepted an apology from PIMS after discussing the matter.

Additionally, the Committee reviewed a motion against Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan over alleged unparliamentary conduct. The Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of response from the minister and deferred the matter pending a reply.

A privilege motion concerning alleged misconduct by Airports Security Force personnel at Karachi Airport was also examined. The Committee called for summoning the concerned official and emphasized the need for professional training to ensure respectful treatment of passengers.