Senate of Pakistan House of the Federation
| |
---|---|
16th Parliament of Pakistan senators | |
Type | |
Type | |
Term limits | 6 years |
History | |
Founded | 1973 |
Leadership | |
Structure | |
Seats | 96 |
Political groups | Government Alliance (61)
Opposition Alliance (14) |
Elections | |
Indirect single transferable vote | |
Last election | 2 April 2024 (48 seats) |
Next election | 2027 (48 seats) |
Meeting place | |
Senate Secretariat Parliament Building Red Zone Islamabad, Pakistan | |
Website | |
Official website |
The Senate of Pakistan,[a] 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.
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]
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