DC Chakwal tenders unconditional apology before Senate privileges committee

Islamabad: The Deputy Commissioner Chakwal tendered an unconditional apology before the Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges after a privilege motion raised concerns over her alleged inappropriate conduct toward Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, including the alleged disconnection of her telephone calls.

The matter became more serious during the committee proceedings when members were also briefed about the arrest of a Naib Tehsildar and allegations that an attempt was made to damage the reputation of a senior and aged former female Member of Parliament. The committee directed the relevant authorities to submit the record of complainants in the related FIRs to examine whether any political malice or hidden motive was involved.

The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges met at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi. The committee took up the privilege motion moved by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan regarding the conduct of the Deputy Commissioner Chakwal.

According to the proceedings, Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan raised the issue of alleged inappropriate conduct by the Deputy Commissioner Chakwal. The complaint also included the allegation that her telephone calls were disconnected.

The mover urged the committee to protect the dignity and respect of women parliamentarians and senior female political leaders. She said women in public life must not be treated in a way that damages their honour or discourages them from performing their public duties.

The committee observed that public officials must show respect toward Parliament and its members. It also stressed that government officers should understand the importance of Parliament, parliamentary committees and their constitutional responsibilities.

Members said such matters should not be taken lightly because public representatives speak on behalf of the people. They said if an elected representative contacts an official on a public issue, the matter must be handled with seriousness and respect.

During the meeting, the committee was also informed about the arrest of a Naib Tehsildar. Allegations were discussed regarding an alleged attempt to malign the reputation of a senior and aged former female parliamentarian.

The committee did not give a final finding on these allegations. However, it directed the relevant authorities to provide the record of complainants in the related FIRs against the Naib Tehsildar so the matter could be examined further.

The purpose of seeking the record is to determine whether any political malice or ulterior motive was involved in implicating the senior former female parliamentarian.

The committee also called for dedicated training modules for bureaucracy and district administration officers. It said such training should help officers understand the role of Parliament, parliamentary committees and elected representatives.

The Deputy Commissioner Chakwal tendered an unconditional apology before the committee over her conduct. She also assured the committee that she respected Parliament and its members.

After the apology was accepted by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, the committee disposed of the privilege motion.

Chairman Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi appreciated Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan for graciously accepting the apology. He also directed that the required record in the related FIRs be submitted so the committee could see whether any mala fide intention was involved.