Senate of Pakistan
The Senate of Pakistan or Aiwān-e-Bālā Pākistān (Urdu: ایوانِ بالا پاکستان, IPA: [ɛːʋɑːn-e bɑːlɑ ˌpɑːkɪst̪ɑːn], lit. "Pakistan upper house"), constitutionally the House of the Federation, is the upper house of the bicameral Parliament of Pakistan. As of 2023, It has a maximum membership of 96, of which 92 are elected by the provincial legislatures using single transferable vote. Four represent the Federal Capital . Members sit for terms lasting six years, with half of the house up for election every three years. Unlike the National Assembly, the Senate is a continuing chamber and hence not subject to dissolution.
For current members of the Senate, see List of senators in the 14th Parliament of Pakistan.
Senate of Pakistan
- ایوانِ بالا پاکستان
- Aiwān-e-Bālā Pākistān
- ایوانِ بالا پاکستان
- Aiwān-e-Bālā Pākistān
First convened in 1973, the Senate's composition and powers are established by the Article 59 of the Constitution of Pakistan.[1] Each of the four provinces is represented by 23 senators regardless of population, while the Islamabad Capital Territory is represented by four senators, all of whom serve staggered six-year terms.[2] The Senate secretariat is located in the east wing of the Parliament Building; the National Assembly convenes in the west wing of the same building.[3]
The Senate has several exclusive powers not granted to the National Assembly, including the powers of making parliamentary bills as a being enforced into law. Elections are held every three years for one half of the Senate and each Senator has a term of six years.[4] The Constitution does not allow for the dissolution of the Senate.[5]