Led by Leader of Opposition in the Senate Yousuf Raza Gilani, opposition members have prepared a brief, outlining their reservations regarding Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani’s conduct. The opposition alleges that he has stalled Senate proceedings by disallowing subcommittees and calling for continual breaks.
Opposition members claim that the senate chairman has stalled legislative activity by prohibiting standing committees from forming a subcommittee and making it difficult for lawmakers to consult with government officials.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senator Taj Haider remarked, “The role of the chairman has paralysed the Senate. He is ensuring all possible convenience for the government and crushing the role of the opposition.”
“In my years of parliamentary life, I have not seen such a behaviour of a chairman belonging to any party. There is a Senate session one day then two days break, again a meeting, then again two days break, what a joke. The joke must stop now,” Senator Haider added.
On behalf of his party’s members, Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui said that PML-N had ‘serious reservations’ regarding the Senate chairman’s role. He said that going forward, opposition members had decided to only allow the minister of state for parliament affairs to answer questions during Question Hour.
“If our concerns presented to the chairman are not addressed, the next step will be proposed,” the PML-N senator said.
