Islamabad: Standing Committees of the National Assembly now possess the authority to summon any individual and demand the production of documents, enhancing their capacity for investigative oversight. The Assembly Secretary can issue orders to summon witnesses, and committees are empowered to conduct public hearings and solicit testimony from those with relevant expertise or interest in the matters at hand. Ministries can refuse document requests only under specific circumstances related to national defense, security, or foreign relations, subject to the Speaker's judgment.

According to Free and Fair Election Network, this authority equips committees with significant investigative tools akin to those of a parliamentary commission of inquiry. Although ministers have a limited privilege to withhold sensitive information, the ultimate decision rests with the Speaker, ensuring a balance between executive confidentiality and committee authority.

The rule granting the Speaker the power to decide on the exemption of information from committee scrutiny appears to conflict with Article 66(3)(b), which allocates this power to the President. For citizens, the committees' summoning power enhances parliamentary oversight beyond government disclosures, allowing them to call on civil servants, experts, NGO representatives, and ministers. The effectiveness of this power depends on the committees' willingness to exercise it and the compliance of summoned witnesses, reflecting the Assembly's commitment to accountability.

The proceedings are governed by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, which have been amended 21 times since their enactment, with the latest amendment on October 22, 2024.