Islamabad, January 17, 2020 (PPI-OT): The Senate Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs in its meeting on Friday at Parliament House discussed in detail deadlock in non-completion of Election Commission of Pakistan owing to difference of opinion in Parliamentary Committee on matter of nomination of members and Chief Election Commissioner and presented display of votes list and the procedure for its correction. Promulgation of ordinance; violations and impact was discussed comprehensively as well.
Chaired by Senator Parvaiz Rashid, the meeting was attended by Senator Sikandar Mandhro, Senator Brig (R) John Kenneth Williams, Senator Walid Iqbal, Senator Hilal ur Rehman and senior officers from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Election Commission Pakistan along with all concerned.
The meeting commenced with deliberation over means to clear the deadlock in non-completion of Election Commission of Pakistan owing to difference of opinion in Parliamentary Committee on matter of nomination of members and Chief Election Commissioner. The Committee was of the view that the Parliament cannot be overlooked in this matter and the best way to address this issue is through a mechanism set by Parliament.
While being briefed on the present display voters list and procedure for correcting it, the Committee showed grave concern regarding the women being disenfranchised from their right to vote. Almost 13 million women voters have not been registered. The Committee recommended that the Election Commission in collaboration with NADRA revised lists. It was stressed that the Election Commission and NADRA must reach out to women, especially in rural areas to bridge this gap keeping in view the record available with NADRA regarding family registration Certificate.
While discussing the case study on Promulgation of Ordinance by the President of Pakistan in terms of Article 89 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the Committee was of the view that narrowing the ambit of Ordinance Promulgation through the constitutional amendments must be resorted. The Parliament must not be undermined. It was asserted that as per ruling of Chairman Senate, it must be mandatory for all ordinances to be laid in Parliament on the first day of Senate Session. A detailed review of all promulgated ordinances that have been laid in Parliament was recommended.
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H.No.7, Cat-II, G-8/2,
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