Press Release Title: Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, Chairman Senate Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House Islamabad

Press Release Date: 21st October, 2026

Senate Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges Expresses Displeasure over Absence of Federal Minister for Education and Secretary Education; Decides to Form Sub-Committee on PIFD Matter The Senate Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges met to consider various privilege motions, including a motion moved by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt and the alleged non-compliance by the Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) with the directions of the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training. Senators Jan Muhammad, Dost Ali Jaisar, Saadia Abbasi, Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, mover Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, and senior officials from the relevant ministries and departments attended the meeting. The Committee expressed displeasure over the absence of the Federal Minister for Education and the Secretary Education. The Chairman observed that the concerned officials should have informed the Committee in writing of the reasons for their inability to attend. He further noted that members of the Senate of the university concerned had previously been invited to attend a meeting through Zoom but had failed to participate. The Chairman directed that show-cause notices be issued to the absent members of the university's Senate. During the discussion on the PIFD matter, the Chairman sought an update on the inquiry assigned to Mr. Saleh Farooqi as the inquiry officer. The Committee sought the inquiry report to enable it to proceed further in the light of its findings. The approved terms of reference of the university and the role of the Senate Committee in the matter were also discussed. Senator Bushra Anjum Butt expressed reservations about the inquiry procedure, alleging that teachers summoned at her request had faced pressure. She maintained that, in her capacity as Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, she had acted as a facilitator and forwarded the complaints received to the relevant authorities. She also raised concerns about the impartiality of the proceedings and stressed the need for a fair and unbiased examination of the complaints. The Chairman subsequently observed that allegations had been levelled against Senator Bushra Anjum Butt by 13 individuals and asked her to present any available evidence before the Committee. Senator Bushra Anjum Butt reiterated her concerns and called for an impartial decision based on the available evidence. Senator Saadia Abbasi informed the Committee that a decision by the inquiry committee on the matter was expected the following day. After detailed deliberations, the Chairman directed that a sub-committee be constituted to examine the matter comprehensively and that the 13 individuals concerned be summoned to present their positions. The Committee emphasised the need for a fair examination of the matter in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations and approved the formation of a sub-committee, with Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan as its convener and Senators Dost Ali Jaisar and Jan Muhammad as members. The Committee also considered a privilege motion moved by Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan against Dr. Sherjeel Zaheer, Director/Chief Clinical Coordinator, EAC, at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). The motion concerned alleged remarks made by the doctor following the senator's social media post highlighting the poor condition of medical equipment and facilities at the hospital. Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan stated that she had raised the issue in the discharge of her public responsibilities after witnessing the condition of a patient who allegedly could not receive appropriate medical assistance because of non-functional medical equipment. Members expressed serious concern over the state of cleanliness, patient care and administrative affairs at the hospital. They stressed that, despite increases in the budget and staffing, patients must be provided with better facilities, particularly poor and deserving people who rely on public hospitals for treatment. Senator Saadia Abbasi termed the matter important and emphasised the need for an internal review of the hospital's administrative affairs. The Chairman observed that negligence in patient care could have serious consequences and directed that an unannounced visit to the hospital be conducted to assess the situation further. He also advised the relevant authorities to carefully read documents before signing them and to improve the quality of services provided to the public. Following the discussion, the Committee accepted the apology tendered by PIMS. The Committee also considered a privilege motion moved by Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan against the Federal Minister for Communications, Mr. Abdul Aleem Khan, concerning his alleged unparliamentary conduct and remarks during a discussion in a standing committee. The Chairman stated that a letter had previously been sent to the relevant authorities seeking a response, but no reply had been received. The Committee also expressed displeasure over the minister's absence from the meeting. The Chairman directed that another letter be issued to obtain the required response. The matter was deferred until a reply is received. Furthermore, the Committee examined a privilege motion moved by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri concerning the alleged inappropriate conduct of Airports Security Force (ASF) personnel during the search of parliamentarians and passengers at Karachi Airport. The Committee reviewed the response received regarding the inquiry report. The Chairman informed the members that a reply to the inquiry had been received, along with a report from the department stating that the official concerned had been transferred from his previous posting to another location. Senator Saadia Abbasi emphasised that the matter was not confined to parliamentarians but also concerned ordinary citizens. She observed that the alleged misuse of authority and inappropriate searches of passengers' belongings could create a negative public perception of elected representatives. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri expressed serious concern over the alleged rude behaviour of the personnel and underscored the importance of treating passengers with dignity and respect. She questioned the legal provisions under which the relevant authorities were empowered to search passengers' belongings. She maintained that such searches should only be conducted when required by security considerations and strictly in accordance with the law. She further noted that the initial response had maintained that all actions were taken in accordance with the law, whereas subsequent information indicated that the official concerned had been transferred. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri stressed that the official should be summoned to present his position and explain the legal authority under which such actions had been taken.   The Chairman directed that the concerned official and other relevant officers be summoned to the next meeting. He also instructed the authorities to arrange professional training for the relevant personnel to ensure that passengers are treated respectfully and dealt with in a courteous and professional manner.