The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat on Thursday in its meeting held at Parliament House with Senator Saadia Abbasi in Chair unanimously passed three Amendment bills. According to details, the Senate Committee unanimously passed the “Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2023.” Senator Shahadat Awan, the bill’s mover, stated that the aim of the amendment is to ensure promotion benefits for civil servants recommended by the Central Selection Board but unable to be realized due to death or superannuation before promotion notification. The Establishment Division opposed the amendment, terming it superficial, asserting the matter is already legally covered.
Furthermore, the committee unanimously passed the “Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023” with amendments. Senator Shahadat Awan remarked that the amendment outlines eligibility criteria for private members of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, making it mandatory for them to have at least 15 years of experience in Public Administration, Economics, legal matters, finance, or related technical fields.
Moreover, the Senate committee unanimously passed the “Pakistan Names and Emblems (Prevention of Unauthorized Use) (Amendment) Bill, 2023.” Senator Shahadat Awan, the bill’s mover, emphasized that primary aim of amendment is to discourage unauthorized use of Pakistan Names and Emblems, proposing an increase in the fine from 5,000 to 50,000 rupees.
Additionally, the Senate body was briefed on the criteria for granting membership to the Islamabad Club and the enhancement of membership fees. Officials mentioned that the current total membership of the Islamabad Club is approximately 9,812, granted under various categories such as Honorary, Parliamentary, Service, Diplomat, and Private. Officials added that the Islamabad Club approximately grants around 200 memberships annually, with a current waiting period of 4 to 5 years.
