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Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Senators decry judicial overreach
A 12-member panel, headed by Adviser to PM on NHLH Irfan Siddiqui, was constituted by PM. PHOTO: FILE Listen to article The Senate on Friday took exception to the Islamabad High Court's (IHC) move to issue stay orders on matters under discussion in parliamentary committees. Terming it a serious breach of privilege, the lawmakers called for the matter to be referred to the Senate's Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges. They also urged that the attorney general be summoned to explain the judiciary's overreach into parliamentary affairs. During the session, chaired by Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) objected to the stay orders issued by the IHC and Lahore High Court (LHC) against upper house proceedings. "I have never seen stay orders against parliamentary proceedings before. This should be taken seriously," he said, urging the Senate to summon the attorney general. "We never interfere in court proceedings, but judges issuing stay orders against committee actions is direct interference in Parliament. It's becoming a joke." Shahadat Awan supported the call. "We will seek input from the law minister and summon the attorney general for clarification and action." Senator Anusha Rehman said such actions violated Article 66 of the Constitution and constituted a breach of privilege. "Issuing a stay order against a member of Parliament is a direct attack on their privilege," she said, urging the House to refer the matter to the privileges committee and have those responsible appear before it. "No one can stop us from speaking in this House," she added. Senator Kamran Murtaza expressed concern over reports of lawyers being picked up in Balochistan. "If someone has committed a crime, they should be punished under the law," he said. The Presiding Officer responded that a report on the matter would be sought.
Express Tribune
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Renowned Urdu humorist remembered
A distinguished literary session was held under the auspices of the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) in memory of the legendary Urdu writer, humourist, broadcaster and diplomat, Syed Ahmad Shah Patras Bokhari. The ceremony also marked the formal inauguration of PAL's newly renovated conference hall by Senator Irfan Siddiqui. The guests spoke about Patras Bokhari's legacy as well as the importance of literary institutions like PAL. The event took place at PAL's head office on Patras Bokhari Road, Islamabad, and was presided over by prominent scholar, writer and Senator Irfan Siddiqui, while the Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, graced the occasion as the chief guest. National Heritage and Culture Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar and Secretary Asad Rehman Gilani, attended as guests of honour. This unique event comprised two especially notable segments. The first was a theatrical adaptation of Patras Bokhari's famous essay "Sowere Jo Kal Aankh Meri Khuli", performed artistically by Swaang Theatre, which received high praise from the audience. The performance so moved Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khichi that he announced a special reward for the troupe on the spot. The second highlight was an engaging dialogue session between Dr Farrukh Nadeem and Ayaz Bokhari, grandson of Patras Bokhari. The conversation offered valuable insights into Patras Bokhari's personality, his literary genius and diplomatic endeavours. Documentaries on Bokhari's distinguished life journey were also presented. Senator Irfan Siddiqui offered a comparative analysis of the literary contributions of Patras Bokhari and Farhatullah Baig in the field of Urdu satire and humour. He also shared memorable anecdotes from Bokhari's life and praised the Academy for organising such a meaningful event in his honour. He reassured the audience of the government's commitment to the preservation and support of literary institutions, especially PAL. In her welcome note, Chairperson of PAL Dr Najeeba Arif highlighted Bokhari's literary, intellectual and diplomatic achievements. She presented a comprehensive overview of his mastery of language, wit and depth of thought. She thanked the Secretary of National Heritage and Culture Division for releasing the necessary funds for the renovation of the conference hall and expressed special gratitude to Senator Irfan Siddiqui for his continued patronage of literary institutions like PAL. This session not only served as a tribute to Patras Bokhari but also played an important role in introducing the new generation to the refined tradition of Urdu humour writing. A large number of literary figures and members of Bokhari's family attended the event.
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Senate passes Civil Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2025
ISLAMABAD: The Upper House of the Parliament on Friday passed the Civil Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which provides that the appeals against the orders of the civil courts would only go to district courts — while the last day of the 350th Senate session was marked with apparent disinterest of lawmakers amidst the absence of Senate leadership — before the House was prorogued. In the absence of chairman and deputy chairman Senate, Irfan Siddiqui from Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) presided over the Senate session. Following the absence of Law Minister Azam Tarar, Climate Change State Minister Shezra Mansab presented the Civil Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which received criticism from the Opposition Leader in Senate Shibli Faraz. 'The state minister does not know, at all, what this bill is all about. It would have been better had the law minister been here to present this bill,' he said. The bill was finally presented in and passed by the House. Already passed by the National Assembly, the bill now seeks President Asif Ali Zardari's ascent to become a law. According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Civil Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the prices of the properties are ostensibly high in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), and valuation of most of the regular first appeals, against orders / decrees of civil courts, is more than 25,000 rupees due to which pendency on appellate side of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has increased manifolds. Under Section 18(1)(a) of the West Pakistan Civil Courts Ordinance, 1962, the IHC has pecuniary, appellate jurisdiction exceeding Rs 2.5 million. 'By virtue of the Punjab Civil Courts (Amendment) Act, 2016, the Lahore High Court has already enhanced its appellate, pecuniary jurisdiction from 2.5 million rupees to 50 million rupees. However, pecuniary, appellate jurisdiction of Islamabad High Court remained the same i,e. 2.5 million rupees. In order to decrease burden of litigation on appellate side of Islamabad High Court, there is need to make district courts the forum to entertain appeals arising out from decrees or orders of civil judges,' says the Statement of Objects and Reasons of this bill. New bills; Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Extradition (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and Anti-Dumping Duties (Amendment) Bill, 2025 were moved in the House and referred to relevant standing committees. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Senators fire broadside at India
Senators on Friday fired a broadside at India over its attempts to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), warning that such a provocation would cross a red line and could trigger legal, diplomatic and even military retaliation under international law. Taking the floor during a Senate session chaired by Senator Irfan Siddiqui at Parliament House, PTI parliamentary leader Barrister Ali Zafar asserted that India had no lawful grounds to pull the plug on the decades-old treaty. He cautioned that tampering with the flow of water was tantamount to a declaration of war. The legal expert cited international law, including Article 51 of the UN Charter and Articles 54 and 49 of the Geneva Convention, saying the provisions leave no wiggle room. Pakistan reserves the right to respond with full force across all fronts if India dares to stop even a single drop, he added. He went on to warn that if India violated the treaty, Pakistan had the legal right to destroy Indian dams with missiles or disable their functionality through military force. "International law says that if India blocks even a single drop of water, Pakistan can strike their dams with missiles." "Article 12(4) of the Indus Waters Treaty clearly states that no unilateral changes can be made. If alterations are necessary, both countries must negotiate and enter into a new agreement," Zafar added. He also recalled India's past violations, including the construction of the Kishanganga Dam, where Pakistan approached the international court too late. "We are a lower riparian state. International law says that lower riparian states have an inalienable right to water. Denying that right can be countered by any measure necessary to preserve the treaty." Zafar pointed out that Pakistan built one of the world's largest canal systems under the IWT and that any attempt by India to disrupt it shows its unreliability and contempt for international commitments. "The time is ripe to expose India's actions to the world," the PTI leader stressed. "When we previously sought international arbitration, India used statements by our own ministers against us. Now, it alleges terrorism as a pretext for suspending the treaty." "If we fail to resolve this water crisis, people will starve. This is bigger than politics," the PTI leader stressed. PTI's Senator Dr Humayun Mohmand likened India's actions to a hostile neighbour cutting off water. "If someone blocks water from your adjacent house, you either persuade them to open it or you open it yourself," he said. "India only understands the language of force." He dismissed statements by Pakistan's finance minister downplaying the immediate impact of India's actions. "If Modi cared about international norms, he wouldn't be doing this," he said. "Land grabbers only understand a Kalashnikov pressed to their temple." JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza also criticised India's longstanding behaviour. "India has always created water-related problems for us," he said. He stressed the need for a Senate committee comprising members from all parties to examine the issue thoroughly and advise the government accordingly.
Business Recorder
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan-India conflict: Senate panel commends role of MoFA
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs' meeting was held on Monday to deliberate on the recent Pakistan-India conflict and to assess the diplomatic and international engagements led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The committee session began with Chairman Senator Irfan Siddiqui paying tribute to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its exceptionally tremendous role during the conflict. On behalf of all committee members, he lauded the Foreign Office for its tireless, round-the-clock diplomatic efforts, which ensured that Pakistan's narrative was presented effectively to the international community. Chairman Siddiqui commended the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, the Secretary MOFA, Amna Baloch, and all the officers of the ministry for their hard work and tireless efforts to promote Pakistan's narrative and to fight, so brilliantly the country's case at the international level The in-camera session was attended by senators, Sherry Rehman, Musadik Masood Malik, Syed Ali Zafar, Rubina Qaimkhani, and Zeeshan Khanzada. Also present were Secretary Amna Baloch and Mehmood Nizami, Director General (South Asia) of the ministry, Shafqat Ali Khan, spokesperson of the ministry, and other concerned representatives. The committee, unanimously, endorsed the chairman's statement and emphasised the unprecedented nature of the conflict, which was led under the democratically elected civil government. 'This was the first war in the history of Pakistan where political leadership was at the forefront,' Senator Siddiqui remarked. 'The Parliament, civil government, and all its institutions, combined with the brave armed forces of Pakistan played a sustained and integral role, presenting a democratic face to the world.' A comprehensive briefing was made by the ministry officials on the diplomatic strategy adopted during the conflict, focusing particularly on engagement with global stakeholders and friendly countries. The mediation efforts proposed by the president of the United States, were also discussed Senators actively engaged in the session, which also included deliberations on Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Members posed critical questions and offering their viewpoints. The committee collectively appreciated the ministry's consistent communication with the international community, its swift and appropriate responses to evolving global narratives, and its successful projection of Pakistan's stance on international forums. The chairman of the committee observed that India had not only suffered setbacks on the military front, but also faced a significant diplomatic and political defeat. 'India's aggressive designs have been fully exposed to the world,' Irfan Siddiqui stated, highlighting the exemplary strategic civil military coordination achieving victory for Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
