Voting on SBP (Amendment) bill: Shibli seeks Gilani's intervention on withheld vote count result in Senate

ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in Senate and senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Syed Shibli Faraz has written to Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani to intervene so that ‘unfinished agenda’ i.e. the announcement of results of counting on the SBP (Amendment) bill could be concluded. Referring to recently-prorogued eventful session, he wrote in a letter (a copy of which is available with this correspondent) to the Senate chairman, which has been received by his office, the opposition leader detailed the background and urged for upholding sanctity of parliament.

He insisted the act of not announcing the result was in violation of the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the House. He noted that a private members bill titled ‘The State Bank (SBP) of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill, 2024,’ moved by Senator Mohsin Aziz on February 17, was put for passage and voice voting was held, followed by physical counting as per the laid down procedure.

“The bill was supported by majority of the members present in the House (video footages available) but unfortunately the voting results were not announced by the Deputy Chairman, violating Article 238(6) of the procedure and conduct of business in the Senate (2012). The members of opposition protested against this blatant violation of rules and democratic principles. We demand announcement of the voting count,” the letter reads.

He contended that the violation of the sanctity of parliament by disregarding the established rules is a serious affront to the democratic principles that underpin the legislative process.

Parliament, he emphasized, is designed to function as the core institution for representing the will of the people, enacting laws & holding the government accountable. When its rules are violated whether through disruption or disregard for parliamentary decorum, it undermines the institution’s credibility and rule of law. Such violations not only hinder the proper functioning of Parliament but also erode public trust in the legislative system, potentially fostering a sense of disorder & disrespect.

“The sanctity of parliament must be upheld to preserve its integrity ensuring that it remains a forum for debate, decision making & democratic governance,” he maintained.

He sought Senate Chairman Gilani’s personal intervention to ensure that the unfinished agenda of the Senate be brought to its finality, in order to restore the integrity & credibility of this House. Failing which the future proceedings of the Senate will lose legitimacy, honour and also damage public confidence in parliament’s ability to act in the best interest of the people, the letter added.