Senate body mulling dismissal of underperforming bureaucrats

The Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice is mulling a proposal to dismiss underperforming bureaucrats instead of designating them as Officers on Special Duty (OSD).

During a committee meeting chaired by Farooq H Naik on Friday, PTI Senator Fauzia Arshad raised alarms over the declining standards in bureaucracy.

She advocated for legislation that would allow for the direct dismissal of officers rather than simply assigning them as OSD (officer on special duty).

In the same meeting, Senator Arshad withdrew her previously proposed bill to expand the number of Supreme Court judges from 17 to 23. The committee complied with her request to return the bill.

The discussion also included a proposed bill under Article 62 of the Constitution, aiming to reinstate a graduation requirement for parliament members.

Senator Zamir Hussain Ghummro pointed out this criterion, recalling its origin under the late General Pervez Musharraf, who believed it would prevent Benazir Bhutto from entering parliament due to her educational qualifications.

Additionally, the committee reviewed the Legal Aid and Justice Authority Bill.

The Law Secretary informed members that this authority now falls under the Ministry of Law and Justice, noting the Director General’s term expired three months ago.

Chairman Naik clarified that an acting charge could be assigned for up to 90 days if necessary.