Pakistan's Senate warns Punjab over non-compliance with Ejaz Chaudhry’s production order

Pakistan's Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges has issued a strong warning to the authorities in Punjab province over their failure to implement the production orders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Ejaz Chaudhry. The committee emphasized that non-compliance could have serious consequences.

The meeting, chaired by Senator Taj Haider at the Old PIPS Hall in Parliament Lodges, focused on the repeated violations of Senate orders and the need to uphold the rule of law.

The committee addressed a privilege motion against Inspector General (IG) Punjab and IG Prisons Punjab for not implementing the production orders issued by the Chairman Senate on January 13 and March 7, 2025.

It decided to take immediate action by suspending the superintendent of Kot Lakhpat Jail and other officers responsible for the non-compliance.

The committee determined that Punjab authorities had violated Rule 78 and warned that further penalties could be imposed. It also directed the provincial administration to present Senator Ejaz Chaudhry before the Senate Privileges Committee immediately, provided that his family and doctors approve his participation.

Repeated non-compliance

The meeting was called after Punjab authorities failed to produce Senator Chaudhry for over a year, despite three production orders, the most recent issued on January 13. The senator, who has a heart condition, was admitted to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) on February 20 following complaints of chest pain.

Senator Taj Haider stressed that ignoring the Chairman Senate’s orders is a serious privilege breach and warned of strict legal consequences.

“The Committee has the authority to take strict action against those who violate due process, and this cannot be ignored,” Haider said.

Punjab officials claim that Senator Chaudhry remains in the hospital due to medical concerns. However, the committee questioned the lack of written confirmation from doctors regarding his inability to travel.

Punjab’s Home Department Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal 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, Senator Raja Nasir Abbas expressed frustration over the delay.

“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 also criticized the non-compliance, saying, “The Chairman directed that Senator Ejaz Chaudhry be presented. No one informed him that it wasn’t possible, which is a clear violation of privileges.”

Senator Attaur Rehman raised concerns over possible political motives behind the prolonged hospitalization.

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

Next steps

The committee unanimously decided that if Senator Chaudhry is medically fit, he must be presented before the Senate Privileges Committee.

“We are prepared to take legal action under Rule 78 if the violation continues,” said Senator Taj Haider.

Punjab’s IG Prisons assured the committee that authorities would follow through immediately if doctors approved the senator’s transfer. Meanwhile, the committee will formally write to Senator Chaudhry to confirm his willingness to attend.

The Senate Standing Committee has made it clear that failure to comply with Senate orders will not be tolerated. It has directed Punjab authorities to work closely with medical teams and ensure that the rule of law and the Senate’s dignity are upheld.

The meeting was attended by Senators Attaur 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, and Saifullah Abro.

Government officials present included Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Secretary of Parliamentary Affairs Humaira Ahmed, Dr. Sohail Tajik from the Ministry of Interior, Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal, Additional IG Punjab Sultan Ahmed, IG Prisons Lahore Mian Farooq Nazeer, Kot Lakhpat Jail Superintendent Ijaz Asghar, and DIG Headquarters Syed Ali Raza.