Senators on Wednesday decided, for the first time in Pakistan's history, to form an Ethics Committee for the accountability of members of the Upper House.

The decision was taken during a session of the Senate chaired by Raza Rabbani.

The committee will be responsible for reviewing any complaints filed against members of the Senate and will possess the authority to take action against senators.

It has also been tasked with preparing a code of conduct and is responsible for ensuring its implementation.

According to the 'Draft Rules on the Procedure for the Committee on Ethics' ─ a copy of which was acquired by DawnNews ─ any citizen will be able to file a complaint against a member of the Senate.

Senators will also be able to file petitions against each other, the rules stated.

Once a petition is accepted, the committee will investigate the matter. After the probe is complete, an investigation report will be presented before the Senate.

The report will also include recommendations for action that may be taken against the senators against whom petitions were filed.

The Ethics Committee, which will be headed by Deputy Senate Chairman Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, is to comprise members of the Senate's Business Advisory Committee.

In case the deputy chairman is absent, the committee will be headed by Leader of the House Raja Zafarul Haq. In case of Haq's absence, PPP's Aitzaz Ahsan, the leader of the opposition in the Senate, will chair committee sessions.