Mushahid says supremacy of Parliament not by words alone, but through performance and leadership with new ideas & initiatives

Date : July 23, 2012

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production has said that supremacy of the Parliament cannot be ensured by words alone but through performance and leadership with new ideas, issues and initiatives. That is why the Defence Committee would endeavour to deliver through deeds not words, and cited the report, website and other initiatives as a plus for Parliament's credibility and strengthening democracy. He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production convened in connection with launching of the new website of the Committee and presentation of its first report at the Parliament House. It may be added that the Senate Defence Committee is the first Committee of the Parliament to have its own website (www.senatedefencecommittee.com.pk) and to have produced a report within six weeks of its formation.

Chairman Senate, Senator Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari, was the chief guest on the occasion.

Senator Mushahid, in his opening remarks, said that the Defence Committee would establish new parliamentary traditions and would seek input from all the stakeholders including defence and security institutions, think tanks, media and other opinion leaders to formulate solid recommendations to further strengthen the defence of the country. He apprised the Chairman Senate of the Defence Committee's 2012 Work Plan and other initiatives of the committee, adding that a Defence Policy Strategy Document would be prepared annually to give specific proposals on how to promote harmony between the Khaki and Mufti, and to redefine some of the contours of National Defence Strategy in light of new challenges and emerging ground realities.  He also said that there will be regular Defence Reporters Briefings and the report of the Defence Committees would be presented bi-monthly.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Senate Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari said that in the changed parliamentary scenario after restoration of democracy in the country, the Senate of Pakistan has redefined its role as per the best parliamentary traditions and norms. The Upper House is now playing a laudable role to nurture the frail sapling of democracy being a guardian of provincial rights, equality and national solidarity.  He said that the Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production holds the unique distinction of being the first committee that presented its report within weeks of its formation and also launched an effective website. The Senate is pleased to welcome this initiative because these reports and website present a positive perspective on Pakistan’s resilient democracy and vibrant parliament, the Chairman Senate added. He urged other Committees of parliament to emulate Senator Mushahid's example.

He remarked that the current committee is composed of eminent and towering political heavyweights, including both Leader of the House ad Opposition as well as Honourbale Deputy Chairman Senate. Top six leading political parties of Pakistan are represented in the Committee. He expressed the hope that under the professional and dynamic Chairmanship of Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, the Defence Committee will play a significant role as per its mandate and vision of the worthy Members. He further said that the Work Plan of the committee is not less ambitious compared to its other lofty pursuits in sync with stated commitment to pursuing transparency, parliamentary oversight and public accountably. “I am sure this work plan would put the committee through its paces since it also envisages, inter alia a comprehensive Annual Defence Policy and Strategy Paper by the year’s end” Mr. Bokhari observed. The valuable information regarding Drone warfare and the fact-sheet prepared by the Chairman Committee on the history of Civil-Military relations in Pakistan, bring forth and informative and factual depiction of key issues in their true perspective.

Regarding other key initiatives, the Chairman Senate observed that formation of Defence Reporters Forum and its own website are also highly commendable for providing amechanism to make its proceedings transparent and enhance its public outreach in line with the modern concept of a progressive, open and accountable parliament. In order to ensure transparency and accountability, he said, greater Media access to committee meetings has also been ensured.

Members of the Committee termed it a good beginning. They commended efforts of Senator Mushahid Hussain and expressed the hope that the committee would proactively engage in such a discourse which would help in formulating recommendations on new footings.

Later, the Chairman Senate formally launched the website of the Committee by pressing a button on the computer. Senator Mushahid also presented the first report of the committee to Chairman Senate.  

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed thanked the Chairman Senate, members of the Committee, PILDAT,  media, Secretary Senate Iftekharullah Babar and Special Secretary Senate Amjed Pervez for their support, cooperation and contribution.

Senators Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Farhatullah Baber, Sardar Ali Khan , Mrs. Sehar Kamran , Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-haq, Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Senator Muhammad Talha Mehmood Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control and Senator Mrs. Rubina Irfan attended the committee meeting. Secretary Senate Iftekharullah Babar and Special Secretary Senate Amjed Pervez and a large number of journalists were also present.