Senate role vital to strengthen federation, democracy

By Ali Imran

Islamabad: The Senate of Pakistan since its inception has played a vital role in strengthening federation, constitution, and democracy in the country by extending equal rights of representation to each federating unit.
After every three years, half of the senators (52) get retired. The Senate polls take place in accordance with Article 59 of the Constitution. This year the senators will be retiring on March 11 after completing their 6-year term. In this regard, the Election Commission of Pakistan has announced the Senate elections on March 3. The majority of retiring senators (65%) are from the opposition parties.
The Senate, also called, ‘The Upper House’ one of the prestigious chambers of the legislators follows the democratic norms to elect 104 members from across the country. They also represent views of state, scrutinize govt work, hold debate and discussion, introduce legislation, work in an efficient committee system, and make recommendations on the Financial Bill.