September 17; Parliamentarians have formed a multi-party caucus on Rule of Law in Pakistan. Under the convenership of Honourable Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo the caucus comprises of Parliamentarians from both the Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Convener of the PCRoL, Senator Bizenjo stated that it is alarming for Pakistan, being the sixth most populous country in the world, to be ranked on a dismal 98th position, out of a total of 102 countries in the world on the World Justice Project Report on Rule of Law Index 2015. Our neighbouring country, India, ranks at the 59th position. These rankings reflect the dilapidated state of Rule of Law in Pakistan, specifically with respect to gaps in policy and legal reforms. He emphasised that a joint effort of like-minded Parliamentarians across party lines is crucial in addressing this issue to strengthen effective reform and implementation of laws in Pakistan.

Senator Bizenjo nominated a seven-membered Rules of Business Committee of the Caucus to finalise Rules of Business for the Parliamentary Caucus on Rule of Law. The Committee will prepare and submit draft before the Caucus for approval and includes Mr. Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari (NA-173, Dera Ghazi Khan-III, Punjab, PML-N) as Chair while Mr. Ali Muhammad Khan (NA-10, Mardan-II, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, PTI), Senator Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari (Punjab), Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam (NA-295, Women Punjab � XXIII, PML-N), Senator Taj Haider (Sindh), Senator Muhammad Usman Khan Kakar (Balochistan) and Ms. Aasiya Nasir (NA-341, Non-Muslim- IX, Balochistan, JUI-F) as members.

Among other esteemed parliamentarians, Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal NA-137 (Nankana Sahib-III (Old Sheikhupra-VII, Punjab, PML-N), Senator Najma Hameed (Punjab), Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani (NA-342, Non-Muslim-X, Sindh, PML-N), Senator Taj Haider (Sindh) and Senator Sardar Muhammad Azam Khan Musakhel (Balochistan) were also present at the occasion.

Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, President, PILDAT, assured the Caucus of PILDAT�s full support in facilitating the Parliamentary Caucus on Rule of Law.