Islamabad:
The Senate, on Friday, made an exception to the Movement of the Superior Court of Islamabad (IHC) to issue suspension orders on matters under discussion in parliamentary committees.
When qualifying it is a serious violation of privileges, legislators requested that the matter be sent to the Senate Procedure and Privileges Rules Committee.
They also urged the attorney general to be convened to explain the overreach of the Judiciary in parliamentary affairs.
During the session, chaired by Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Senator Salem Mandvila of the Popular Party of Pakistan (PPP) opposed the suspension orders issued by the Superior Court of IHC and Lahore (LHC) against the procedures of the Upper House.
“I had never seen suspension orders against parliamentary procedures. This should be taken seriously,” he said, urging the Senate to summon the attorney general.
“We never interfere in judicial proceedings, but the judges who issue suspension orders against the actions of the committee are direct interference in Parliament. It is becoming a joke.”
Shahadat Awan supported the call. “We will seek contributions from the Minister of Law and we will summon the Attorney General to clarify and actions.”
Senator Anusha Rehman said such actions violated article 66 of the Constitution and constituted a violation of privileges. “Issue a suspension order against a member of Parliament is a direct attack on its privilege,” he said, urging the Chamber to send the matter to the privilege committee and that those responsible appear before him.
“No one can prevent us from talking in this house,” he added.
Senator Kamran Murtaza expressed concern about the reports of lawyers who were collected in Baluchistan. “If someone has committed a crime, they must be punished under the law,” he said. The president replied that a report would be sought on the matter.
