“As a heated debate on corrupt politicians is going on—it’s the right time to amend the ambiguous clauses of Article 63,” observed a Senator. PHOTO: APP/FILE
The Senate is all set to debate Article 63 of the constitution to elaborate the conditions under which one could be disqualified from Parliament or be barred from contesting elections.
The upper house will discuss the proposed bill called ‘The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2013’ today, seeking amendments in some controversial clauses of the Article 63, particularly the issue of disqualifications for membership of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament), according to agenda of the house.
“As a heated debate on corrupt politicians is going on—it’s the right time to amend the ambiguous clauses of Article 63,” observed Senator Tahir Mashhadi, the mover of the bill. According to him, the Senate may strike down or amend some of the controversial clauses mentioned in the said Article.
Interestingly, the debate and fresh recommendations concerning Article 63 will only bear fruit once the bill sails through Senate and upcoming National Assembly begins its debate on the proposed changes.
The upper house of Parliament will also take up another proposed bill which seeks the establishment of the Pakistan Pharmacy Council to regulate the practice of pharmacy. The bill moved by Muttahida Qaumi Movement Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan may be called ‘The Pakistan Pharmacy Council Bill, 2013,’ added the agenda.
Motions against the caretaker ministers
The House will also debate an adjournment motion moved by the Awami National Party (ANP), seeking exclusion of the caretaker ministers for interior and petroleum from the federal cabinet. “Both ministers have lost their credibility [one by giving biased statement to please a political party and other is facing corruption charges],” observed Senator Haji Adil of ANP.
Motions on issues relate to Pakistan Railways, Energy Crisis, Unemployment and Uplift of energy sector.
Senator Mashhadi moved three separate motions under Rule 218 so that the upper house of Parliament may discuss the increasing financial losses of Pakistan Railways. The Senate may discuss the situation arising out of the non-vacation of government quarters by Estate Office Islamabad from unauthorised occupants and about prevailing law and order situation in the country.
Senator Talha Mehmood of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl moved three separate motions to discuss the issue of unemployment in the country and its effects on social life and the country’s economic situation with particular reference to the prevailing price hike for all commodities. Mehmood also moved commenced resolutions that the Senate may recommend that effective steps be taken to eradicate the manufacturing and sale of spurious and substandard drugs in the country.
Energy Crisis
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senator Karim Khawaja moved resolutions seeking recommendations to implement international obligations regarding global warming and to control environmental pollution in the country. Senator Rozi Khan Kakar of PPP also moved a resolution to ban the publication of Quranic verses in newspapers. “To publish Quranic verses and its translation in the newspapers may be banned immediately in order to preserve the sanctity of the holy text,” reads the text of the resolution. The house will also discuss the effective steps to overcome the country’s energy crisis. Senator Talha Mehmood moved the resolution.
Senator Mashhadi moved the resolution which sought the Senate’s recommendations to extend the number of beds in the two hospitals of the federal capital—Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Federal Government Poly Clinic Hospital, Islamabad.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 15th, 2013.
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Parliament is dissovled...Its the Senate that is presenting the bills...Senate elections follow a differnet calendar...!
thieves can only wish that they will do away with the looted money every-time..
Financial scrutiny is a must, religion should be kept separate though!
I thought Parliament was dissolved until new members are elected. These jokers cannot pass legislation that amends the Constitution. What is going on in this rotten state???