ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privilegeson Wednesday unanimously rejected the inquiry report submitted by the Punjab Home Department over the failure to produce PTI lawmaker Ejaz Chaudhry in defiance of two production orders issued by the Senate chairman.
Chairman Senate Yusuf Raza Gilani had issued production orders for Ejaz Chaudhry on Jan 13 and March 7, and had not chaired the sittings for quite some time under an undeclared protest after the second one too was not implemented.
The Senate committee met here with Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi in the chair. The meeting centered on privilege motions, institutional accountability, and serious breaches of parliamentary directives.
“We want the orders of the Chairman Senate implemented,” stressed the Committee ChairmanSenator Waqar Mehdi. “In the next session, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry must be brought before the Parliament. This is non-negotiable.” he declared.
The Committee expressed grave displeasure over the continued absence of Senator Ejaz Chaudhry from both the House and the Committee proceedings, terming it a direct violation of the Chairman Senate’s privilege.
“Why didn’t you bring Ejaz Chaudhry during the budget session?” questioned Senator Faisal Saleem Rahman. Despite repeated assurances, he was not presented,” he added. Senator Saadia Abbasi of PML-N asserted that the privilege of the Chairman Senate has been violated. If we let this go, then what is the point of our authority?” shr asked.
Senator Dr Humayun Mohmand added that We must examine which offices are failing to comply with the orders. Chairman Waqar Mehdi firmly directed the authorities concerned to make all necessary arrangements. “In the next meeting, Ejaz Chaudhry must appear before the committee.” he directed.
The committee emphasized the importance of parliamentary accountability and reaffirmed its resolve to uphold the authority and sanctity of the Senate
The meeting was attended by Senator Dost Ali Jeesar, Syed Faisal Ali Sabzwari, Faisal Saleem Rahman, Senator Saadia Abbasi, Raja Nasir Abbas, Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan , Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Nadeem Ahmed Bhutoo, Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, Mir Dostain Khan Domki and Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan were present in the meeting.
On March 8,Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani had taken a firm position on parliament’s supremacy and referred the matter of non-compliance with production orders for PTI lawmaker Ejaz Chaudhary to the privileges committee.
“As per rule 71 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012, disobedience of the Orders of the Chairman Senate constitutes a breach of privilege. Such disregard for parliamentary authority cannot be allowed to persist unchecked, as it threatens the institutional integrity of the Senate and the broader democratic framework,” the chairman ruled as he made first appearance before the upper house of parliament after his first order requiring production of Senator Ejaz was defied.
Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2025
