Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani used engagements at Parliament House to urge greater tolerance, reinforce employee welfare and accelerate digital reforms across the parliamentary system. Speaking on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, he warned that hate speech threatens social cohesion and democratic values and called for collective efforts to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Gilani stressed that Pakistan’s strength lies in its diversity and interfaith harmony, noting that Islamic teachings repudiate hatred and discrimination while encouraging compassion and respect for all communities. He urged parliamentarians, media, educational institutions and civil society to discourage divisive narratives and promote constructive dialogue, emphasising the responsible use of digital and social media to curb misinformation and hate-driven content.
In a separate session, the Chairman chaired the Executive Committee meeting overseeing the Employees Welfare Fund, where Secretary Senate Syed Hasnain Haider briefed members that the fund operates solely on voluntary contributions from senators and Senate staff. The fund provides emergency financial assistance to employees in Grades 1 to 15 for needs such as marriage and bereavement, highlighting the centrality of Employee Welfare in Senate operations.
Gilani directed that the Employee Welfare mechanism be strengthened and widened to offer greater support, instructing that voluntary contribution forms be recirculated among members to encourage broader participation. He noted that rising salaries across the upper house necessitate a review of the fund’s financial framework and operational structure to maximise benefits, and recommended consultations with insurance firms to explore sustainable welfare models.
To develop concrete proposals, a sub-committee comprising Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Senator Nasir Mehmood Butt and Senator Aamir Waliuddin Chishti was constituted and tasked with formulating recommendations for the main committee. Senator Aamir Waliuddin Chishti proposed extending Hajj opportunities to Senate employees, committed to financing two employees for Hajj and pledged a monthly contribution of Rs100,000 from his salary to support the Employees Welfare Fund.
Later, the Chairman chaired a high-level review of the Senate Mobile Application project. Secretary Syed Hasnain Haider said the app is being developed entirely with the Secretariat’s internal resources as part of a broader technology-driven agenda to boost governance, transparency, efficiency and environmental sustainability while reinforcing the E-Office system.
The application will give senators secure access to parliamentary business, Senate sessions, standing committee information, official notifications, legislative documents and schedules via smartphones and tablets, with particular attention to user-friendliness, security and accessibility. Officials said a formal launch will follow soon, accompanied by training and awareness sessions to ensure effective use.
Affirming a commitment to innovation and institutional modernisation, Gilani said digitalisation is essential to improve administrative efficiency, reduce delays and cut paper use while strengthening public service delivery. He urged citizens and institutions to reject intolerance and work together toward a more inclusive society as the Senate advances both Employee Welfare and digital transformation initiatives.
