Senate Functional Committee Raises Concerns Over Civil Awards Issuance Process, Proposes Amendments

Islamabad:The Senate Functional Committee on Delegated Legislation has expressed serious concerns over the procedure for issuing Civil Awards, as presented by the Cabinet Division. The committee, chaired by Senator Naseema Ehsan, was briefed by the Cabinet Division officials about the process of awarding these honors, which has sparked a heated debate among lawmakers.

Senator Shibli Faraz criticized the method for awarding civil honors, calling it highly flawed. He added, “If my father were alive, he would have returned his award.” Senator Hamid Khan also voiced his dissatisfaction, stating that in Pakistan, individuals of questionable character are often granted awards. “It seems there is no standard or criteria for issuing these awards,” he remarked.

Chairperson Senator Naseema Ehsan questioned the basis of these awards, asking, “Under what rules and regulations are these awards given?” She further demanded transparency, urging the committee to be informed about the names of the recipients for the current year.

The committee strongly expressed its dissatisfaction with the existing process, leading to a decision to form a sub-committee to review and propose amendments to the Rules of Business 1973. The sub-committee will consist of Senators Shibli Faraz, Hamid Khan, and Rubina Qaimkhani.

In addition to the civil awards issue, the Senate committee also discussed the letter from six judges of the Islamabad High Court, who had raised concerns regarding the powers of the Cabinet Division to form inquiry commissions. Senator Hamid Khan pointed out that while the Cabinet Division had been given the authority to establish an inquiry commission, objections had been raised regarding the commission formed by them. “This is why people always demand judicial commissions,” he said.

The committee further discussed the Cabinet Division’s inquiry commission under the Inquiry Act of 2017, noting that the head of the commission had resigned after the objections. In response, the Senate Functional Committee recommended amendments to the Inquiry Commission Act of 2017.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Human Rights briefed the committee on child protection and welfare in the capital. It was revealed that the rules for the Child Protection Bureau in Balochistan, established in 2016, have still not been enacted. Over the past eight years, 250 children have been cared for by the bureau. The committee has recommended that the Balochistan government create these rules within 90 days to ensure better child protection.

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