ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani on Thursday denied receiving any resignation from a member of the house after an opposition senator accused him of encouraging floor crossing during the clause-wise passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill.
During the session, PTI and JUI senators Saifullah Abro and Ahmad Khan voted in favour of the government-sponsored amendment, prompting Senator Humayun Mohmand to allege that the chairman was promoting floor crossing.
Responding to the allegation, Gillani clarified that no resignation had been formally submitted. “A member won’t be deemed resigned through a verbal announcement. There is a proper procedure, and even a right to appeal after tendering resignation,” he said.
Citing an example, he added, “Shah Mahmood Qureshi once announced his resignation verbally, but not in writing. People often make such statements in the heat of the moment.”
The chairman maintained that party leaderships could send a reference against any member who defied party policy to the Election Commission of Pakistan. “You have alleged me of promoting horse trading or floor crossing, which is entirely wrongful,” Gillani told the opposition benches.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar reaffirmed that under constitutional provisions, a member who votes against party policy in matters such as the budget, a money bill, or a constitutional amendment may face disciplinary action through a party reference.
Meanwhile, the Senate approved further amendments to the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill. Eight additional changes were adopted — four existing provisions were removed, and four new clauses were inserted. A total of 64 senators voted in favour of the revisions, while four opposed them.
