Senate Privileges Committee recommends suspension of Superintendent Jail on non-compliance of Production Order of Senator Ejaz Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD, March 21 (SABAH): The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges, under the Chairmanship of Senator Taj Haider, has issued a stern warning regarding the failure to implement the production order of Senator Ejaz Ahmed Chaudhry, emphasizing potential consequences for non-compliance. The committee meeting, held at the Old PIPS Hall in Parliament Lodges, Islamabad, focused on the urgent need to Honour the Sanctity of House and its authority and uphold the rule of law.

The committee while taking up the matter of privilege motion referred by the House against Inspector General Punjab and Inspector General Prison Punjab on non-implementation of the Production Orders concerning Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, issued by Chairman Senate on 13-01-2025 and 07–03-2025 decided to take an Immediate action on the suspension of the superintendent jail and all other concerned officers, for non implementation of orders of Production of Senator Ejaz Chaudhry. The committee determined that violation of Rule 78 has been committed and therefore immediate action should be taken against all concerned. It was also decided that the Committee will consider further punishment under Rule 78 for violations of due process by Punjab officials.

The committee directed that the Punjab authorities should present Senator Ejaz Chaudhry in the Senate Privileges Committee immediately if his doctors and family consent to his participation, and medical clearance is granted.

The meeting was convened to address concerns regarding the failure of Punjab authorities to present Senator Ejaz Chaudhry despite repeated orders over a period of more than 1 year now from the Senate. Production orders for Senator Ejaz Chaudhry were issued on three occasions, most recently on January 13, but they have not been adhered to. Senator Chaudhry, who has been under medical care for a heart condition, was reportedly admitted to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) after suffering heart pain on February 20.

Senator Taj Haider stressed, “Not implementing the order of the Chairman Senate is a serious privilege breach. The Committee has the authority to take strict action against those who violate the due process, and this cannot be ignored.”

Despite medical reports stating that Senator Chaudhry has undergone stent surgeries and his health condition remains fragile, the committee is demanding transparency and compliance from the authorities involved. Punjab’s response suggests that Senator Chaudhry remains admitted in PIC, but the Committee has questioned the validity of these claims, pointing out the lack of written confirmation from the doctors about his inability to be moved.

The Home Department of Punjab has assured that there are no security concerns regarding Senator Chaudhry’s transportation, but the IG Prisons Punjab and IG Punjab have reiterated that they will not move Senator Chaudhry without medical clearance. However they have assured production of the Senator if he clears his medical requirement and shall not create any hindrance while providing complete support

Noorul Amin Mengal, Secretary of the Home Department Punjab, stated, “We respect the Senate’s orders, but medical concerns are paramount. If Senator Chaudhry’s doctors clear him for movement, we will produce him.”

However, Raja Nasir Abbas expressed frustration, “This is not just about health – it’s about respecting the rule of law. If people can travel for medical treatment, so can Senator Chaudhry.”

Senator Sadia Abbasi emphasized that the Chairman Senate’s authority had been undermined by non-compliance, stating, “The Chairman had directed that Senator Ejaz Chaudhry should be presented. No one informed the Chairman that it wasn’t possible to move him, which is a clear violation of privileges.”

The meeting also heard strong remarks from Senator Atta-ur-Rehman, who questioned the political motives behind Senator Chaudhry’s extended hospitalization. He said, “We demand to know whether Ejaz Chaudhry is being deliberately kept away from the Senate proceedings for reasons unrelated to his health.”

The committee unanimously outlined the next steps: “If Ijaz Chaudhry’s medical situation allows, he must be presented in the Senate Privileges Committee. We are prepared to take legal action under Rule 78 if the violation continues, stated Chairman Committee

IG Prisons confirmed that they have facilitated Senator Chaudhry’s hospital visits but stressed, “If Ejaz Chaudhry’s doctors approve his transfer, we will follow through immediately.”

The committee further decided to formally write to Senator Chaudhry to confirm whether he is willing to attend the session, provided his health permits.

The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges has made it clear that the failure to comply with Senate orders will not be tolerated. The authorities must ensure that Senator Ejaz Chaudhry is either presented as per the production order or be held accountable for their lack of action. The Committee has directed Punjab authorities to work closely with the medical team and Senate leadership to ensure that the rule of law and Senate’s dignity are upheld.

The Meeting was attended by Senators Atta Ur Rehman, Dost Ali Jeesar, Syed Faisal Saleem Rehman, Saadia Abbasi, Raja Nasir Abbas, Palwasha Mohammed Zai khan, Asad Qasim, Mir Dostian Khan Domki, Abdul Shakoor khan, Nasir Butt, Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, Saifullah Abro. Officials Included Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, Humaira Ahmed, Secretary Parliamentary Affairs Division, Dr Sohail Tajik, Ministry of Interior, Noor ul Ain Mengal, HS, Sultan Ahmed, additional Inspector General (IG) Punjab, Mian Farooq Nazeer, IG Prison Lahore Punjab, Ijaz Asghar, Senior Superintendent Jail Kot Lakhpat Lahore, Syed Ali Raza, Deputy Inspector General of Police Headquarters.