During the Friday session of the Senate, Minister of State for Law Shahadat Awan informed the House that the Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) established under the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017, is conducting regular hearings and emphasizing on the quick disposal of appeals. The commission has disposed of 1,300 appeals out of 2,900 received. Awan pointed out that the Chief Information Commissioner and the Information Commissioner were appointed by the federal government in the January this year.
On the request of the Senators, the Chair referred the matter regarding the functionality of the Pakistan Information Commission to the Standing Committee concerned for further deliberation.
The Minister of State for Interior Abdul Rehman Khan Kanju told the House that the ratio of crimes had considerably decreased in the federal capital after the establishment of the Eagle Squad, which consisted of 260 motorcycles including 1114 police officers.
Bills Passed by the Senate
During the Senate session, a number of bills were passed, including The National University of Pakistan Bill, 2023; the Publication of the Holy Quran (Eliminating of Printing and Recording Errors) Amendment Bill, 2022; the Federal Employees Benevolent Fund and Group Insurance Amendment Bill, 2022, and The Pir Roshaan Institute of Progressive Sciences and Technologies, Miranshah, Bill, 2023.
Indus Water Treaty Cannot be Modified Unilaterally by India
Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman has said that the Indus Water Treaty cannot be modified unilaterally by India. Responding to a Calling Attention Notice in the Senate, moved by Leader of Opposition Shahzad Waseem and others, she stressed that the treaty cannot be changed until both parties, Pakistan and India, agree to it. Pakistan received a vague letter from India on 25th January this year for the revision of the Indus Water Treaty. The Prime Minister has been given a briefing while deliberations have also been held on it.
Rehman also mentioned that Pakistan has raised objections on the construction of controversial dams, including Kishenganga, Ratle, and Baglihar, by India on the rivers meant for Pakistan. She said the country is fully capable of defending its rights bilaterally and at the international level. Work is being done to enhance water storage capacity in the country. Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand Dams are under construction while sixteen small and medium-sized dams have also been targeted in Sindh.
Resolution Passed for Health Infrastructure
The Senate passed a resolution calling upon all stakeholders to work tirelessly to augment the country’s health infrastructure with a focus on quality and affordability. The resolution, moved by Sania Nishtar on the occasion of World Health Day, expressed concerns that a significant size of the country’s population has limited access to better healthcare facilities. It emphasized that the goals of development in the country cannot be realized without taking steps towards building a healthy nation.
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The resolution demanded the government leverage and technical expertise from the World Health Organization and other international health institutions to enhance the country’s readiness against outbreaks and emergencies and to bolster the country’s capacity to deliver on sustainable development goal number three, including its universal health coverage target. It also recognized the World Health Organization’s critical role in advancing health globally by improving disease prevention and care, addressing health disparities and advocating for investments in strong and sustainable health systems to achieve better health outcomes for all.
Concluding, The Senate discussed a variety of issues and passed several bills during its Friday session. The Pakistan Information Commission is working towards the quick disposal of appeals, while the Eagle Squad has helped reduce crime in the federal capital. The Senate also passed bills related to education
