The Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs met today i.e 19th April, 2017 at 2:00 p.m in Committee Room No. 7, Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Mian Abdul Mannan, MNA.

The Committee considered the “The Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2014” and unanimously passed the same as introduced in the National Assembly. The Committee members were of the firm opinion that Election Laws should be formulated to facilitate the women in the country. The Committee also discussed the “The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2016”and unanimously passed/recommended. Both Bills were moved by Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, MNA.

Ms. Shagufta Jumani, MNA, Special Invitee presented a proposal regarding to provide medical treatment for honourable members in their respective cities by the government. She also presented another suggestion about to give pension to the honourable Members @ half of the amount of his last granted pay. She added that members should be entitled for life insurance during his tenure. She stated that it is common practice in other countries to provide facilities like health insurance and pension etc. The Committee was informed by the honourable Chairman of the Committee that an informal Committee may be constituted to discuss the matters of parliamentarians in this regard.

The Secretary, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) briefed the Committee about the existing strength of ECP and required human resources for the strengthening of ECP. He informed that 674 officers were required to be appointed as Regional Election Commissioners, District Election Commissioners and Assistant Returning Officers. The Secretary, ECP informed the Committee about the acute shortage of human resource in ECP. He also informed that government has been provided 75 vehicles to ECP and rest of 75 may be delivered shortly. He added that ECP has got new rented accommodation in different cities, wherein 29 strong rooms would be constructed till next general election. The Committee members were of the view that ECP should appoint 50% employees as dedicated employees and rest 50% posts should be filled by contractual employment, however, the Committee was informed by the Additional Secretary ECP that lower staff may be appointed on contract basis.

The Committee strongly recommended that ECP should be provided maximum budget according to their requirement. The Committee further recommended that salaries package of ECP employees should be enhanced.

Meeting was attended by Ms. Shahida Rehmani, Dr. Shazia Sobia, Ms. Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak, Malik Ihtebar Khan, Dr. Muhammad Afzal Khan Dhandla, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho (Mover), Ms. Shagufta Jumani, Special Invitee and besides senior officers from Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, ECP & Ministry of Law.