All eyes were on today’s Senate session as the long-awaited 27th Constitutional Amendment was expected to be introduced and spark major debate. However, much to the disappointment, the draft did not appear in the House. Many senior members and key senators were absent and instead discussed the amendment in their respective party meetings outside the Senate session.
The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had already finalized the initial draft of the amendment, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had consulted coalition partners before its introduction.
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted that the parties are still consulting on some points related to the draft. He clarified that the amendment would not be tabled today and that another meeting of the federal cabinet would be called for further discussion.
Read: Prime Minister Courts Allies Over 27th Amendment
On the other hand, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman called a meeting of his parliamentary group at his residence to discuss the prevailing political situation and the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment. The meeting was attended by party senators and MNAs, and consultations were held on recent interactions with the government and opposition representatives.
With the amendment delayed, discussion in the Senate focused on Sindh’s water projects and NESPAK’s performance. The session became tense when PTI Senator Saifullah Abro and Senator Nasir Mahmood Butt got into a heated exchange, prompting Chairman Senator Manzoor Ahmed to intervene.
Senator Abro raised serious concerns about the management of NESPAK and the government’s handling of the Soan River Dam project, alleging that the former managing director was “forcibly removed” and stating that there were attempts to “destroy the institution.” He suggested that the matter be referred to the relevant committee for a detailed review.
Abro’s comments came amid a previously launched mega project to improve the water quality of the Soan River, with the aim of providing round-the-clock drinking water to over 250,000 residents of Rawat and Chauntra. The feasibility study explored installing tube wells with treatment plants or treating river water in centralized facilities, supported by a five-million-gallon water tank and new pipelines.
Senator Azam Swati highlighted the need to expand water reservoirs to prevent flooding and noted that the feasibility study of Soan River Dam will be completed in 2026 and will cover a period of ten years. Members also raised questions about the dam’s construction schedule.
The exchange escalated further when Abro raised additional questions about the Sindh River water plans. In response, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said: “No one can memorize all the facts and figures. We must base our discussions on verified information.” He stressed that accountability is the system’s “greatest strength” and urged lawmakers to avoid repetitive arguments.
Deputy Prime Minister and Senator Ishaq Dar also reached the chamber during the proceedings.
The energy crisis and PPIs under scrutiny
Senator Abdul Qadir expressed concern over Pakistan’s economic and energy crisis, highlighting that 70% of the population lives below the poverty line. He criticized independent power producers (IPPs), saying they exploit the public and hold successive governments “hostage”, collecting Rs 2,200 billion in capacity charges.
He urged the Prime Minister to intervene, pointing out that many low-income households are turning to solar energy, something the IPPs are discouraging.
Describing electricity bills as a form of “terrorism” against the poor, he said, “If someone is installing solar power under a self-help initiative, why is his effort discouraged? Ten to fifteen crore people are victims of IPP exploitation. Why is there no forensic audit carried out on these companies?”
Other key discussions and developments
Senator Khalil Tahir Sindhu marked a historic milestone by congratulating Zohraan Mamdani, who became the first Muslim mayor elected in New York with one million votes. He expressed hope that in cities like Lahore, Karachi or Faisalabad, a Christian candidate could also be elected mayor.
On the other hand, the Senate approved a 100-day extension for the Border Corps (FC) reorganization ordinance, giving the government more time to implement structural and administrative reforms. The FC is a paramilitary force in Pakistan tasked with maintaining law and order, particularly in the border and tribal areas, and assisting the army in counter-terrorism and internal security operations.
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Furthermore, Lawyer Aqeel Malik, responding to a question from Senator Shahadat Awan, said that the government’s top priority is the protection of children and future generations. He noted that the Child Protection Institute, created in 2021, maintains a detailed breakdown of data and that the government is complying with all transparency requirements. He welcomed the committee members’ suggestions and agreed that more effective child welfare measures were needed.
Senator Azam Swati also highlighted the importance of the opposition leader in the functioning of the House, urging the Law Minister to clarify the course of action. He recalled how opposition leaders, including Shehbaz Sharif as leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, were jailed during previous terms despite their official duties.
PTI members created a commotion when Senator Emal Wali Khan was allowed to speak. During his speech, he commented: “Do they have a problem with me or you? This is not a flat, it is a pile of filth, and you have handed me this pile of filth.”
In the midst of all this, the Senate session has been adjourned until 11 in the morning.
