ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat has called for a comprehensive review of Warrants of Precedence, expressing concern over prolonged delay in reforming the system.
The committee observed several constitutional office-holders continue to rank above elected parliamentarians despite Parliament’s constitutional supremacy.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan, decided to write to Prime Minister requesting reconstitution of review committee under Federal Minister for Law and Justice, with representation from both Senate and National Assembly. The proposed committee would undertake a comprehensive review of Warrants of Precedence and implement Standing Committee’s recommendations. He also proposed convening a joint meeting with National Assembly Standing Committee to resolve the issue, which has remained pending since 2008.
The committee met under chairmanship of Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan to consider two private members’ bills: The National Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and The Federal Employees Benevolent Fund and Group Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The committee also discussed longstanding issue of Warrants of Precedence, electricity tariff determination, capacity payments, and reinstatement of employees of Federal Employees Benevolent Fund and Group Insurance (FEB&GI).
During discussion on Warrants of Precedence, the committee highlighted several anomalies in existing framework.
Senator Anusha Rehman, who had moved the agenda item, questioned prolonged delay in reviewing Warrants of Precedence. She pointed out several constitutional office holders, including Governor of State Bank of Pakistan and Chief Election Commissioner, continue to rank above elected members of Parliament despite Parliament’s constitutional status.
Officials informed the committee review committee constituted under the Secretary, Cabinet Division, had not met for a considerable period because of sensitive nature of the issue, which requires deliberation at the highest level. They further stated recommendations for revising Warrants of Precedence are currently under consideration in the Prime Minister’s Office.
Following deliberations, the Chairman decided to write to Prime Minister seeking reconstitution of review committee under Federal Minister for Law and Justice, with representation from both houses of Parliament, to undertake a comprehensive review and implement the committee’s recommendations. He also proposed a joint meeting with National Assembly Standing Committee to resolve the long-pending matter.
The committee also considered The National Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Representatives of Law Division informed members under Article 144 of the Constitution, amendments relating to provincial subjects can only be enacted after provincial assemblies pass resolutions authorising Parliament to legislate on the matter.
Committee members observed proposed amendments were primarily aimed at strengthening oversight of disaster management funds.
Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri emphasised the need for Auditor General of Pakistan to audit Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs). Officials responded within the existing constitutional framework, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) could establish an appropriate coordination mechanism to enhance oversight.
After discussion, the committee decided to refer the bill to Senate Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination for broader consultation with the provinces.
The committee examined The Federal Employees Benevolent Fund and Group Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes giving government employees option to either receive their accumulated contributory amount upon retirement or allow those contributions to remain in the scheme for benefit of their families.
Officials opposed the proposal, citing financial constraints and maintaining existing scheme serves as a humanitarian support mechanism for families of deceased or incapacitated government employees.
Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri proposed formation of a sub-committee to examine the current scheme and recommend suitable reforms.
The Chairman approved formation of sub-committee to conduct a detailed review of the bill and directed Federal Employees Benevolent Fund and Group Insurance (FEB&GI) to engage with the bill’s mover in order to explore practical and constructive reforms.
The committee deferred a briefing by National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on electricity tariffs, capacity payments, and other energy-related matters due to absence of the mover of agenda item.
