Islamabad:
The Senate on Friday exempted the exception of Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) relocation to issue residence orders in issues discussed in parliamentary committees.
Legislators who referred to it as a serious violation of the privilege called for the case to be referred to the Senate Committee on Procedures and Privileges Committee.
They also called for the lawyer to be called to explain the overreaction of the judiciary to parliamentary affairs.
During the session, led by Senator Irfan Siddiqui, opposite Senator Saleem Mandviwalla from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) against residence orders issued by IHC and Lahore High Court (LHC) against the Overhouse’s procedures.
“I have never seen residence orders against parliamentary procedure before. This had to be taken seriously,” he said, calling on the Senate to summon the lawyer.
“We never interfere in litigation, but the judges issuing residence orders against committee actions are direct interference with parliament. It becomes a joke.”
Shahadat Awan supported the call. “We will seek input from the Minister of Law and convene the lawyer for clarification and action.”
Senator Anusha Rehman said such actions violated Article 66 of the Constitution and constituted a breach of privilege. “Issuing a residence order against a MP is a direct attack on their privilege,” she said, calling on the house to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee and get those who are responsible showing up for it.
“No one can prevent us from talking in this house,” she added.
Senator Kamran Murtaza expressed concern about reports of lawyers picked up in Balochistan. “If anyone has committed a crime, they must be punished under the law,” he said. The presidential officer replied that a report would be sought on the case.
