Majlis-e-Shoora Governance Challenges in Pakistan's Bicameral Legislature

The Federal Council of Pakistan, or Majlis-e-Shoora, is the supreme legislative body of the country. It is a bicameral legislature, meaning it consists of two houses: the National Assembly and the Senate. The term "Majlis-e-Shoora" is an Urdu phrase that translates to "Council of Advisors," reflecting the legislative nature of the body.

National Assembly:

The National Assembly is the lower house of the Majlis-e-Shoora. Members of the National Assembly, commonly referred to as MNAs (Members of the National Assembly), are elected directly by the people through general elections. The total number of seats in the National Assembly is not fixed and can vary due to changes in population and other factors. As of my last knowledge update, there were 342 seats in the National Assembly.

The National Assembly is responsible for making laws, approving the federal budget, and representing the interests of the people. The leader of the political party with a majority in the National Assembly usually becomes the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Senate:

The Senate is the upper house of the Majlis-e-Shoora. Unlike the National Assembly, members of the Senate, known as Senators, are not directly elected by the public. Instead, they are elected by the members of the Provincial Assemblies and representatives of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

The Senate provides equal representation to all provinces and territories, with each having an equal number of seats. This arrangement helps in maintaining a balance of power among the provinces. The total number of seats in the Senate is 104, with each province and territory having an allocated number of seats.

Functions and Powers:

The Majlis-e-Shoora, through its two houses, is vested with significant legislative, executive, and oversight powers. Some of the key functions and powers include:

Legislation: The primary function of the Majlis-e-Shoora is to make laws. Members debate and discuss proposed legislation, and if approved, it becomes law after receiving the President's assent.
Approval of Budget: The federal budget is presented in the National Assembly, where it is debated and approved. This budget outlines government spending and revenue for the fiscal year.
Oversight of Executive: The Majlis-e-Shoora has the authority to question and scrutinize the actions of the executive branch, including the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. This oversight ensures accountability and transparency in governance.
Election of the President: The Majlis-e-Shoora plays a crucial role in the election of the President of Pakistan. The President is elected by an electoral college consisting of the members of both houses of the Majlis-e-Shoora and the Provincial Assemblies.
Foreign Policy: While the executive formulates and executes foreign policy, the Majlis-e-Shoora has the power to debate and discuss matters related to international relations and treaties.
Constitutional Amendments: The Majlis-e-Shoora has the authority to amend the constitution, subject to certain procedural requirements.

Challenges and Criticisms:

Despite its critical role, the Majlis-e-Shoora has faced challenges and criticisms. Some common issues include:

Political Instability: Pakistan has experienced periods of political instability, with changes in government and governance structures affecting the effectiveness of the legislative process.
Corruption: Like many political institutions, the Majlis-e-Shoora has not been immune to allegations of corruption, which can undermine public trust.
Ethnic and Provincial Tensions: Balancing the interests of the provinces and addressing ethnic and regional tensions remains a challenge, particularly in a diverse country like Pakistan.
Effectiveness of Oversight: Critics argue that the oversight function of the Majlis-e-Shoora could be enhanced to ensure more effective checks and balances on the executive branch.

The Majlis-e-Shoora, as the Federal Council of Pakistan, plays a crucial role in the country's governance. Its two houses, the National Assembly and the Senate, work together to legislate, scrutinize the executive, and represent the interests of the people. While facing challenges, the Majlis-e-Shoora remains a fundamental institution in Pakistan's democratic framework, contributing to the nation's political, economic, and social development.