Parliamentary defence panels: Nothing to write home about

Over 3 years, only committee on national security submitted proposals to Parliament.

ISLAMABAD:

Over the last three years of the tenure of Parliament, the performance of a number of defence and national security committees has remained dismal – especially in comparison to the parliamentary panels of other democracies.

The panels in question are the NA Standing Committee on Defence, the NA Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production, the Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production and the Parliamentary Committee on National Security.

According to official data collected by The Express Tribune, the panels have failed to present their reports to Parliament since the March 2008 general elections. Only the Parliamentary Committee on National Security submitted its recommendations before Parliament while others were only able to present reports before either the prime minister or the Senate chairman – however, these recommendations are yet to be implemented.

So how have such panels fared in other democracies, such as the UK or neighbouring India, for instance? The Defence Committee in India presented nine reports while the Defence Committee of the House of Commons in the UK presented nine reports and five special reports in 2010 alone, according to data compiled by PILDAT, a private institution monitoring democracy in Pakistan.

NA defence production committee

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence Production conducted nine meetings – but was unable to submit a single report to Parliament. “We cannot publicise committees’ reports because of sensitive issues which are discussed in bicameral meetings,” said chairman of the aforementioned committee, Sheikh Aftab Ahmad. He added, however, he regretted that the majority of the committee’s recommendations are yet to be implemented despite a lapse of several years. For example, the defence committee recommended that a shipyard with the capacity to generate over Rs115 billion annually at Gwadar Port should be constructed, but the government has yet to make a decision regarding this proposal, he added.

NA defence committee

The NA Standing Committee on Defence has a slightly better record. The panel has held 21 meetings on several issues over the last three years. However, the defence ministry has been unable to implement its proposals, observed the committee chairperson, MNA Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho. The panel provided recommendations for the improvement of the Airport Security Force two years ago. The committee also prepared recommendations to solve the Siachin and Sir Creek disputes with India.

Parliamentary Committee on National Security

The best record was maintained by the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, presided over by Senator Raza Rabbani which conducted 61 meetings to prepare its recommendations pertaining to the security situation in the country. It prepared a 14-point resolution which was discussed in the joint session of Parliament last year. Rabbani’s committee has discussed Nato, Isaf, the Afghan imbroglio, Pak-US relations and Pakistan’s policy regarding its neighbouring countries, especially India.  In light of this discussion, it prepared an important resolution on Pakistan’s foreign policy. The story ends on the same note however— its recommendations are yet to be implemented.

Senate committee on defence production

Meanwhile, the Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production Chairman, Senator Lt Gen (retd) Javed Ashraf, claimed his committee presented three reports to the Prime Minister and conducted 40 meetings to discuss various issues related to defence and security. “Reports could not be made public because the matters discussed by the committee are confidential and sensitive,” he said, adding: “We cannot disclose our defence strategy and weapon production”.

Ashraf also complained that his committee’s recommendations were not fully implemented.

Quick legislation needed

Senator Tariq Azim stressed that prompt legislation should take place when it comes to security issues. National security should be given priority in developing countries like Pakistan, he added.

MNA Aftab Sherpao said the committees should hold at least two meetings in a month and present their reports to Parliament as soon as possible – but there should be legislation to empower the committees so that they can direct the ministries/departments concerned for implementation, he said. He admitted that the performance of the defence committees remained mediocre over the last three years.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd,  2012.