On the cards: Senate to take up host of issues in new session

Upper house to hold debate over proposed amendments on women protection bill

ISLAMABAD: The functional committee on human rights will present a report proposing amendments in the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010 before the Senate today (Monday).

The head of the committee Senator Nasreen Jalil told The Express Tribune on Sunday that a similar bill was proposed by Senator Azam Khan Swati for the protection of women against harassment in educational institutions, including universities. But it was found that the existing bill already had the relevant provision.

“It takes long to pass bills and amendments and the relevant provision already exists in the law of protection against harassment of women at workplace, which is effectively being followed by different organisations,” she said.

Senator Sehar Kamran is expected to move a resolution, strongly condemning the cruel and barbaric act of terrorism in Quetta on August 8.

The resolution expresses deep sorrow over the killing of innocent people, including the son of Senator Dr Jehanzeb Jamaldini in the gruesome incident. “The House shows sympathy with the bereaved families on this irreparable loss and prays that Allah Almighty may rest the departed souls in eternal peace and give courage to the families to bear this loss,” the resolution reads.

The resolution further calls upon the government and law-enforcing agencies to take all possible measures to eliminate terrorism from the country. “The Upper House urges upon the government to take up the matter of involvement and sponsorship of terrorism in Pakistan by foreign countries/ agencies particularly India in the United Nations and other international fora,” the resolution adds.

Moreover, the House reiterates its commitment to continue its struggle to combat terrorism in the country and to support the international community in getting rid of this menace, the resolution concludes.

Moreover, Senator Mohsin Aziz is expected to move a resolution, condemning the recent address of the Indian prime minister in which he claimed to have the support of some separatist elements in Balochitan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

“This provocative statement by the Indian prime minister is tantamount to open interference into the affairs of Pakistan which is a gross violation of its sovereignty and an effort to deflect the world’s attention from worst kind of atrocities being committed by the Indian Security Forces in Indian-Occupied Kashmir,” the resolution read.

The resolution urges upon the government to take up this matter on all international fora, including the UN.

Senator Shibli Faraz said that the Panama Papers terms of reference converted into a bill moved by Senator Aitzaz Ahasan and also signed by PTI, is likely to be discussed in the five-day Senate session before Eid holidays.

While condemning former MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s anti-Pakistan speech, he said the matter is likely to be highlighted in the House. He also remarked on the Indian prime minister’s speech against Pakistan.

Senators Usman Khan Kalar, Sardar Muhammad Musakhel and Gul Bashra are expected to move a motion to discuss the plight of Pakistani labourers in Saudi Arabia.

The house is also expected to be briefed regarding the demolition of katchi abadis around Sibi railway station, raised by Senator Mir Kabeer Ahmed Muhammad Shahi on July 28.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5^th, 2016.