PILDAT Briefing Session Enhances Parliamentary Committee Engagement

In recent years, the role of parliamentary committees has become increasingly vital in ensuring good governance and accountability within the government. These committees are responsible for overseeing various aspects of government operations, making their effectiveness crucial for a transparent political environment. Recognizing this importance, the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) organized a briefing session for parliamentarians in Islamabad, focusing on enhancing their engagement with the committee system.

The session, titled "How Can Parliamentary Committees Ensure Good Governance?" served as a platform for parliamentarians to discuss ways to improve the functioning of these committees. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, the President of PILDAT, opened the session with a detailed presentation that provided insights into the committee process. He explained the different types of Standing Committees in both the National Assembly and the Senate, emphasizing their roles and responsibilities.

During his presentation, Mehboob highlighted some concerning statistics regarding the performance of the 15th National Assembly. Notably, there was a significant six-month delay in the formation of Standing Committees, despite the established rules requiring their formation within 30 days of the Leader of the House's ascertainment. On average, each committee held only 28 meetings over five years, which breaks down to approximately six meetings per committee annually. This lack of activity raises questions about the effectiveness of these committees in fulfilling their oversight roles.

Furthermore, the session revealed a decline in committee activity within the Senate, with a reported 11 percent decrease in meetings from the previous parliamentary year. The number of meetings dropped from 326 in 2022-2023 to 290 in 2023-2024, indicating a troubling trend that could hinder the Senate's ability to perform its duties effectively.

In light of these findings, Ahmed Bilal Mehboob proposed several recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of Standing Committees. He stressed the importance of timely committee appointments, taking into account the expertise of the members. Additionally, he urged for more regular scheduling of committee meetings to ensure that oversight functions are carried out efficiently.

The session also provided an opportunity for parliamentarians to engage with staff from the National Assembly and Senate Secretariat, who addressed questions regarding parliamentary procedures and rules related to committees. This interaction not only clarified doubts but also underscored the necessity for ongoing capacity-building initiatives within the parliamentary framework.

As the session concluded, all participants recognized the critical need for increased public awareness regarding the work of Standing Committees. They agreed that live broadcasts and public hearings could significantly enhance transparency and foster greater public engagement with the legislative process.

In summary, the PILDAT briefing session highlighted the pressing need for reform within the parliamentary committee system in Pakistan. By addressing the delays and inefficiencies currently plaguing these committees, parliamentarians can work towards a more accountable and transparent governance structure. As citizens, it is essential to stay informed and engaged with these developments, as they directly impact the quality of governance and the democratic process in the country.