FAFEN calls for legislation to empower parliamentary committees

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has called for immediate legislation under Article 66 to empower parliamentary committees, citing weak oversight due to the absence of clear legal authority.

In a policy brief issued from the federal capital, FAFEN said parliamentary committees lack effective powers to summon individuals and demand documents, rendering their supervisory role limited and ineffective. The organization recommended granting committees enforceable authority to ensure compliance with their directives.

The brief stressed that there should be a clear legal framework for action and penalties against those who fail to follow committee instructions. FAFEN also proposed limiting the broad use of defense, security, and foreign affairs as grounds for withholding information from parliamentary scrutiny.

FAFEN further recommended that withholding information in the name of confidentiality should require written justification based on clear and defined criteria. It urged the removal of ambiguities between Article 66 of the Constitution and existing parliamentary rules.

The organization also called for regular reporting to parliament on cases of non-compliance with committee directives, emphasizing that effective parliamentary oversight is essential for strengthening democracy and ensuring accountability.