Non-production of Senator Ejaz: Senate panel to take action for suspension of jail officials

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges Friday decided to take immediate action on the suspension of superintendent jail and other related officers for non-compliance of the production orders of Senator Ejaz Ahmad Chaudhry.

The forum, which met here under the chairmanship of Senator Taj Haider, issued a stern warning over the failure to implement the production orders of Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, emphasizing potential consequences for non-compliance. The meeting focused on the urgent need to honour the sanctity of the House and its authority and uphold the rule of law.

The committee took up the matter of privilege motion referred by the House against Inspector General Punjab and Inspector General Prisons Punjab on non-implementation of the production orders, issued by Chairman Senate Yousuf Raza Gilani on 13-01-2025 and 07–03-2025.

Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman pointed out that the production orders for Senator Ejaz Chaudhry had been thrice and that ‘if they do not implement the production order, we will also give orders’.

He suggested that the IG Jails will also be suspended until he implements the production order.

Senator Saadia Abbasi said not implementing the order of the chairman Senate was a serious breach, and to this, the meeting was informed that Senator Ejaz was currently admitted to the Cardiology Institute. She emphasized that chairman Senate’s authority had been undermined by non-compliance, as no one informed the chairman that it wasn’t possible to move him, which was a clear violation of privileges.

She suggested that if he could not be produced during the day, then he should be presented in the committee meeting on Monday.

The meeting made it clear that violation of Rule 78 had 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 the Punjab officials.

The committee directed that the Punjab authorities should present Senator Ejaz Chaudhry before the Senate Privileges Committee ‘immediately’ if his doctors and family consented to his participation, and medical clearance was granted. It was also decided to formally write to Senator Ejaz Chaudhry to confirm whether he was willing to attend the session, provided his health permits.

The committee made it clear that the ‘failure to comply with the Senate chairman’s orders’ will not be tolerated and the authorities must ensure that he was either presented as per the production order or they be held accountable for their lack of action.

The committee has directed the Punjab authorities to work closely with the medical team and Senate leadership to ensure that the rule of law and Senate’s dignity were upheld.

The meeting was told that in one year, the production orders for the senator were issued on three occasions without implementation.

The senator under medical care for a heart condition, was reportedly admitted to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) after suffering heart pain on February 20.

However, Senator Taj Haider emphasized that not implementing the order of the Chairman Senate is a ‘serious privilege breach. He contended that the committee had the authority to take strict action against those who violate the due process, and this cannot be ignored.

The Punjab Home Department assured the forum that there were no security concerns regarding the senator’s transportation, but the IG Prisons Punjab and IG Punjab reiterated that they will not move him without medical clearance. However, they have assured production of the senator if he clears his medical requirement and they shall not create any hindrance while ensuring complete support in this connection.

Noorul Amin Mengal, Secretary of the Home Department assured the forum that they respected the Senate’s orders, but medical concerns were paramount, adding if his doctors cleared him for movement, then they will produce him.

However, Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas expressed frustration and remarked, “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 Atta-ur-Rehman made some strong remarks and questioned the political motives behind Senator Chaudhry’s extended hospitalization.

“We demand to know whether he is being deliberately kept away from the Senate proceedings for reasons unrelated to his health”.

The committee unanimously outlined the next steps that if his medical condition allows, then he must be presented in the Senate Privileges Committee while the chairman of the committee remarked, “We are prepared to take legal action under Rule 78 if the violation continues”. The IG Prisons said they had facilitated Senator Chaudhry’s hospital visits but stressed that if his doctors approve his transfer, then they will follow through immediately.