Sadiq Sanjrani summons Senate session on May 12
Babar Awan said it is important to run the parliament for meaningful legislation
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani on Friday summoned a session of the upper house of parliament on May 12 on the requisition of the opposition to discuss the coronavirus pandemic.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan also met Senate Chairman on the issue and agreed to keep the duration of Senate sessions and speeches short.
The prime minister adviser said that just like for the National Assembly, SOPs will be implemented for the Senate session as well.
He said that it is important to run the parliament for meaningful legislation, adding that they were in touch with the concerned agencies to ensure security measures.
On the other hand, Senate Deputy Chairman Saleem Mandviwala demanded that members and staff be tested for coronavirus before the meeting as allowing to attend a meeting without a test would be disastrous.
He said there was no ventilation in the Senate building and it would be a disaster to allow to attend a meeting without a test.
Senate secretariat issues SOPs for session sitting
Meanwhile, in view of COVID-19 pandemic, the Senate Secretariat has issued elaborate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Session to commence from Tuesday (May 12).
Under the SOPs, no individual will be allowed to accompany the senator into the Parliament House. Only one person will be allowed to accompany the Ministers/State Ministers.
Similarly, only one officer, not below BS-20 from Ministries/Divisions will be required to ensure presence in the galleries. In view, if the agenda to be discussed, Senate Secretariat will inform the relevant Ministries/Divisions one day prior to the sitting day.
All senators and every other individual entering the Parliament House will go through thermal gun screening.
Parliamentary Reporter Association will shortlist 10-12 journalists/reporters for entry into the Parliament Building (Press Gallery) in view of limited space.
Keeping in view limitation of space in the House, seats have been allocated only to the Leader of the House, leader of the Opposition, Ministers and Parliamentary Party Leaders and other senators may assume available seats as and when they come, without a pre-allocated seating plan.
All senators will use mask, gloves and sanitizer, which will be provided at their tables.
All Senators should get their coronavirus tests done before coming for the session. Testing facility is available at the dispensary in Parliament Lodges.
