Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has called for a debate in the Senate on the 'systematic undermining' of the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). A call attention notice was submitted on Saturday in the Senate by Senator Farhatullah Babar.
The notice given under Rule 59 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate 1988 says that the authority of FPSC had been gravely undermined as was underscored by a number of incidents. Enumerating the incidents the mover said, "Chairman FPSC publicly stated on August 4, 2005 that the government has blatantly violated, all rules in making contract appointments.
"The promulgation of an Ordinance on August 27, 2005 just two days before the NA session to slash the tenure of chairman and members from five to three years with backdated effect. "Delay in laying the FPSC 2003 annual report before the Parliament even though the report is lying with the Presidency for the past ten months". "The appointment of two more members of the FPSC just when the LHC admitted a constitutional petition challenging the Ordinance of August 27.
The Senate has already been summoned to meet on Tuesday (September 13). Under the rules two clear days of notice is required to be given for a call attention notice. The rules require the minister-in-charge to explain the government position on the issue raised through call attention after a general debate on the issue.