The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges on Friday issued a stern warning over the failure to implement the production orders of Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, emphasizing potential consequences for non-compliance.
The committee met under the Chairmanship of Senator Taj Haider, focused on the urgent need to honour the sanctity of 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 Prison Punjab on non-implementation of the production orders concerning Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Senator Ejaz Chaudhry.
The production orders were issued by the Chairman Senate on January 1, 2025 and March 7, 2025. The committee 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 the 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 committee’s meeting was convened to address concerns over the failure of Punjab authorities to present Senator Ejaz Chaudhry despite repeated orders over a period of more than one year now from the Senate.
Production orders for Senator 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.
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 the Chairman Committee.
The committee has made it clear that the failure to comply with Senate orders will not be tolerated and 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.