Senator Danesh Kumar Calls for Transparency Regarding Senate Advisors and Foreign Trips

ISLAMABAD: Senator Danesh Kumar, representing the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), has formally addressed the Chairman of the Senate, expressing concerns about the rising number of advisors and consultants in the upper chamber of Parliament.

Request for Comprehensive Information on Advisors

In his letter, Senator Kumar sought a detailed account of all current advisors, requesting information on:

• Their specific roles and responsibilities
• Qualifications
• Appointment processes
• Privileges and benefits

He raised alarms over the potential overlap of responsibilities between advisors and elected senators, arguing that this undermines the authority of Parliament members.

Concerns About Foreign Trips and Transparency Issues

Senator Kumar also demanded a full record of official overseas trips undertaken by Senate members and advisors in the past year. He pointed out a growing frustration among senators regarding the lack of transparency in the formation of foreign delegations. His letter suggests that advisors without adequate experience or research backgrounds are frequently included in these trips, while elected senators are often overlooked.

Perceived Misuse of Influence

The senator noted instances where certain advisors with limited qualifications have managed to secure spots in official delegations, raising concerns about the selection process. He called for a transparent and merit-based approach to choosing members for foreign parliamentary delegations.

Call for Accountability

Senator Danesh Kumar urged the Senate Chairman to implement necessary measures to ensure accountability and uphold transparency, providing clear insights into the increasing role of advisors within the Senate.