Pakistan Senate Output Increased in 2025-26, Scrutiny Weakened: Pildat

Pakistan's Senate saw a notable increase in legislative activity during the 2025-2026 period, passing 97 bills, according to an analysis by the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (Pildat). This marks a substantial rise from the 51 bills passed in the preceding year, with private members' legislation demonstrating a strong comeback alongside an upward trend in government bills. The Senate also saw an increase in working hours, with sittings becoming longer and more intensive.

However, the Pildat report highlights persistent institutional weaknesses that continue to challenge the upper house. Average attendance declined to 57.6 percent from 62 percent the previous year. The report also flagged concerns regarding the pace and depth of scrutiny for constitutional amendments, specifically noting the accelerated passage of the 27th Constitution Amendment within 24 hours. Furthermore, 11 Senate seats from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained vacant for nearly two years due to electoral delays and legal disputes, impacting federal representation.

Other institutional gaps identified include a vacant office for the Leader of the Opposition for over five months and a decline in parliamentary oversight, evidenced by opposition members' resignations from Senate Standing Committees. Despite these challenges, the Senate passed a unanimous resolution during the India-Pakistan crisis in May 2025, indicating cross-party consensus on national security matters. The Senate's budget also saw an approximate 25 percent increase.