The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges took a firm stance on Friday, summoning the Vice Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Professor Niaz Ahmad Akhtar. The summons was issued to demand a clear explanation for the significant delay in withdrawing 77 First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against university students.
Committee Demands Action on Pending Student Cases
Chaired by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, the committee directed the Vice Chancellor to submit a detailed report on the matter. Members of the committee expressed serious concern, noting that Prof. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar had failed to honor his earlier commitment to withdraw the 77 cases. Police representatives informed the panel that since the FIRs were lodged on the formal complaint of the VC himself, they were not in a position to withdraw them independently without his initiative.
The committee underscored its disappointment with this non-compliance. It reaffirmed that such oversight bodies, acting as representatives of the public, must remain fully empowered to address matters of significant public importance, including the welfare of students.
Debate on Parliamentary Authority and Judicial Boundaries
The meeting also featured a robust discussion on the powers of parliamentary committees. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla raised strong objections to what he described as direct judicial interference in committee proceedings. He emphasized that courts hold no authority to obstruct parliamentary affairs, citing repeated directives from the Supreme Court itself that parliamentary proceedings should not be hindered.
He strongly recommended that the Senate must safeguard the powers and authority of its committees. Chairman Senator Mehdi echoed the principle that Parliament is the supreme institution, and its organs must be empowered to effectively resolve issues concerning citizens. However, he added a crucial caveat, cautioning committees to strictly avoid discussing any matters that are sub judice (under judicial consideration).
Amendment Passed Amidst Institutional Integrity Concerns
Rabeea Anwar, a Specialist on Parliamentary Laws and Procedures, along with a panel of officers, provided a comprehensive briefing on a proposed amendment, outlining its pros and cons. During deliberations, Senator Saadia Abbasi voiced her opposition, stating that every institution must function within its own constitutional domain and refrain from interfering in the workings of others.
Despite this opposition, the majority of committee members voted in favor of the amendment, leading to its unanimous passage. This decision highlights the committee's intent to clarify and potentially strengthen its procedural framework.
Other Matters: Negligence in Official Record Keeping
Furthermore, the committee addressed the issue of a misplaced official House file in Islamabad. A representative from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) presented a court order sheet, stating that the CDA had regularly attended court hearings, while the petitioner had failed to appear before the committee.
Senator Saadia Abbasi pointed out that citizens face such bureaucratic hurdles daily. She stressed that maintaining official records is the sole responsibility of the CDA, and the incident represented clear negligence. Upon inquiry, the chairman was informed that show-cause notices had been issued to the concerned employees. The committee decided to keep this matter pending until the ongoing court proceedings are concluded.
