ISLAMABAD: A Senate panel on Friday showed concerns over the large number of FIRs registered by Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) against its students over the years.
The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges at a meeting chaired by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi at Parliament House besides other agenda items took up the issue of FIRs against students of the QAU.
“The committee also took up the matter of 77 FIRs registered against students of Quaid-e-Azam University, which have yet to be withdrawn. Police representatives informed the Committee that the FIRs were lodged on the complaint of the Vice Chancellor of Quaid-e-Azam University, a government entity, and therefore the police were unable to withdraw them independently,” read a statement issued by Senate.
It said the committee referred to an earlier commitment of the vice chancellor to withdraw the FIRs and noted its non-compliance. Consequently, the committee unanimously decided to summon the vice chancellor again to explain the delay and submit the factual position. Furthermore, the committee discussed the issue of a misplaced file of a house in Sector I-10/4.
Summons vice chancellor again to explain delay in withdrawal of cases
During the meeting, CDA officials presented the court order sheet, stating that the civic agency had regularly attended court proceedings related to the said file whereas the petitioner failed to appear before the committee.
Senator Saadia Abbasi said citizens faced such issues on a daily basis and emphasised that maintaining official records was the sole responsibility of the CDA, terming the incident a clear negligence.
The chairman of the committee inquired about the officials responsible and was informed that show-cause notices had been issued to the concerned employees. The committee decided to keep the matter pending until the conclusion of the court proceedings.
Additionally, Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan raised concerns regarding the Ministry of National Food Security and Research for not responding adequately to his queries.
The secretary tendered an unconditional apology before the committee, citing technical issues with WhatsApp as the reason for the communication lapse. He assured the committee that he would remain responsive to the queries of the senators in the future.
Discussing a bill, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla said courts had no authority to interfere in parliamentary affairs and noted that the Supreme Court had repeatedly directed that parliamentary proceedings should not be obstructed. He recommended that the Senate must not compromise on the powers and authority of its committees. It was underscored that committees, while exercising the powers of the House as representatives of the public and as oversight bodies, should remain fully empowered to take up matters of public importance.
The chairman reaffirmed that parliament was the supreme institution and its organs must be empowered in a manner that allows them to effectively address issues concerning individuals or groups of citizens. However, he cautioned that committees must strictly refrain from taking up or discussing sub judice matters.
Rabeea Anwar, specialist on parliamentary laws and procedures, along with a panel of officers, gave a briefing on the proposed amendment related to rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Senate, outlining its advantages and disadvantages.
Senator Saadia Abbasi said every institution must operate within its constitutional domain and avoid interference in the functions of other institutions. She voiced her opposition to the proposed amendment. After deliberations, majority of the members voted in favour of the amendment and the committee unanimously passed it.
Published in Dawn, December 20th, 2025
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