Legislative Effectiveness of Senate Committees in Pakistan (1985-1999): An Assessment

Abstract

This study gives a comprehensive review of the legislative efficacy of Senate committees in Pakistan during 1985-1999. It investigates the role and performance of these committees within the backdrop of Pakistan’s political environment during this time, characterized by frequent changes in administration and developing political dynamics. The study examines critical performance measures of committees that how much the quantity of bills reviewed, whether these committees presented reports on matters or not and how they performed overall on referred matters by explaining these issues and their determinations in the Senate? Utilizing an analytical approach, the research combines qualitative analysis of committee processes and interactions by acquiring data from Senate Debates, Committee Reports, and Legislations. The analysis demonstrates that Senate committees had a major role in producing legislation, while their efficiency varied greatly depending on various criteria, including political stability, leadership, and inter-party interactions. Findings of the study reveal that political upheaval, the efficacy of Senate committees generally declined due to decreased collaboration and heightened partisan disagreements, but still committees exhibited increased legislative activity and were more successful in advancing the referred works.