Parliamentary affairs: Senate panel reprimands petroleum ministry

Ministry warned of strict action if it fails to respond to questions.

ISLAMABAD:

The Senate Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges has warned the petroleum ministry of strict action if it failed to reply to questions posed by the Water and Power Committee Chair Senator Zahid Khan.

The Senate panel meeting, presided by Senator Col (retd) Syed Tahir Hussain Mashadi on Thursday, warned the ministry to take parliamentary business seriously and cited breach of privilege over its failure to do so.

“It is considered a breach of privilege not to provide replies to the questions asked by Senator Zahid Khan regarding the number of persons appointed on a regular contract, daily wages and third party contracts in Pakistan State Oil since 2008,” remarked Senator Mashadi. The ministry had also failed to provide personal details of those appointed along with details of PSO managing director’s domicile, salary, allowances and fringe benefits, he said, adding that a non-serious attitude in replying to the committee’s questions has created hurdles.

“Members ask questions on the floor of the House to see that the decisions are taken in a transparent manner but the delay in replies create hurdles in smooth workflow of the parliament, which is a matter of serious concern,” remarked Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Procedure, Senator Mashadi.

Senate Standing Committee on Water and Power Chairman Senator Zahid Khan apprised the committee about his point of view on the issue and said that such a lapse on the ministry’s part and its associated departments reflected a dictatorial mindset within the ministry.

He said that the regional quota was being violated grossly and smaller provinces were not being given due right in government services.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 27^th, 2013.