Senate passes 33 bills in a year

Report highlights strong legislative output, active oversight in 2025-26 session

ISLAMABAD:

The Senate of Pakistan passed several bills during the last parliamentary year that concluded on March 11, a report released by the Senate Secretariat said on Thursday.

According to the "comprehensive account" presented in the report for the parliamentary year 2025–2026, the Senate demonstrated high legislative output, processing a significant volume of both government and private members' business.

Seventeen government bills were introduced, with 14 passed, while 31 additional bills received from the National Assembly were considered, resulting in a total of 33 bills passed during the year.

Private members' contributions were equally substantial, with 40 bills introduced and 44 passed, underscoring the inclusive and participatory nature of legislative processes. Notably, the Constitution (27th Amendment) Bill, 2025 emerged as the most significant constitutional development of the year.

A wide range of legislation covering national security, judicial reform, economic governance, human rights, media regulation, and social welfare further highlighted the Senate's comprehensive engagement with national priorities.

During the year, the Senate convened 12 sessions (348th to 359th), alongside three joint sittings of parliament. A total of 64 sittings were held over 112 working days, accumulating 158 hours and 53 minutes of proceedings. Combined with joint sittings, total parliamentary engagement reached 161 hours and 43 minutes, reflecting sustained and active legislative participation. Attendance remained strong, with a peak of 88 Senators recorded during the 355th session and an average attendance of 55 Senators per sitting. Eleven Private Members' Days were also held, ensuring space for non-government legislative initiatives.

The Senate maintained its oversight role through an active Question Hour, receiving 1,157 starred questions, of which 479 were answered on the floor of the House.