Senate assures support to flood-hit people

Passes unanimous resolution expressing solidarity with residents of rain-affected areas

ISLAMABAD:

Senate on Monday passed a unanimous resolution expressing solidarity and assuring full support to the flood affected people particularly in Balochistan.

The upper house met under the chairmanship of Sadiq Sanjrani on Monday.

According to the resolution presented by Senator Sana Jamali, the house showed sympathy with the bereaved families who had lost their loved ones in the recent floods across the country especially in Balochistan.

It said the torrential rains had damaged 90 per cent infrastructure of the province, affected region’s economy and badly hit the agriculture sector.

The resolution said the house was of the opinion that the compensation amount announced by the government for the bereaved families who had lost their dear ones and those who had suffered losses due to the calamity was insufficient.

The house appreciated the rescue and rehabilitation operation carried out by the Pakistan Army besides their services relating to health facilities and provision of food to the flood victims, it added.

Presenting their recommendations through the resolution, the upper house said the outstanding agriculture loans against the farmers of Balochistan should be waived off and they should be provided sufficient financial support to cultivate crops in the next season.

It urged government to announce a special package for the reconstruction of provincial infrastructure and revival of the economy.

The house also proposed to enhance the support amount to mitigate the sufferings of flood affected people on priority, the resolution maintained.

Amendment bills regarding the appointment of judges and restructuring of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) were also presented in the Senate.

Both the bills were submitted to the committee concerned.

Issuing directives, the Senate chairman said that the body should submit a report on the judges’ appointment amendment bill within 15 days.

He said on the day of approval of the bill, the members should ensure their presence in the house.

Earlier, the PPP presented a bill seeking amendment in Article 175 of the Constitution.

Senator Farooq Naek said currently the total number of judges in the judicial commission was nine. He said the nine members included attorney general, a representative nominated by the bar and the law minister.

The senator noted that the ratio in the judicial commission was six judges to three other officials and demanded a ratio of four to three.

He said they were bringing a change in the procedure of high court judges’ appointment, suggesting that there should be a committee for the purpose.

Naek said initially the body should nominate the judge and later the appointment should be made.

Senator Saleem Mandviwalla presented the amendment bill regarding the restructuring of PMDC.

Health Minister Qadir Patel noted that 55 per cent seats in Sindh and Balochistan had been left vacant due to the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) law.

He said 16,000 students took admission in foreign institutions due to which forex reserves depleted by $9 billion, adding that the PMC created hurdles for the students.

He backed the bill saying it should be passed the same day. However, the bill was sent to the relevant committee.
Pharmacy Amendment Bill 2022 was also sent to the committee concerned.

During the session, the Senate secretary announced that e-format had been introduced in the upper house and that all the notifications and documents would be sent to the members through internet.

Sanjrani said that those who did not want to use e-format would be provided papers.

Later, the upper house session was adjourned till 4pm Thursday.
With input from APP