Latest news with #PakistanCitizenship(Amendment)Bill
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Critical national & global issues: NA adopts series of resolutions
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Wednesday unanimously adopted a series of resolutions addressing a range of critical national and international issues, including the ongoing Israeli military aggression in Gaza, honour killings, and the safeguarding of digital rights. The first resolution, tabled by Shazia Marri of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), condemned in unequivocal terms the Israeli military aggression in Gaza, expressing grave concern over civilian casualties, large-scale destruction of infrastructure, and violations of international humanitarian law. The resolution also denounced recent statements from Israeli authorities regarding the long-term occupation of Gaza and the forced displacement of its population, characterising such actions as war crimes under international law. The house called upon the United Nations and the broader international community to intervene decisively to halt hostilities, ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, and uphold the rights of the Palestinian people, including their pursuit of self-determination. It urged the government to raise the issue forcefully at global forums such as the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In a separate resolution, Shahida Rehmani, also of the PPP, drew the House's attention to the rising incidents of so-called honour killings across various provinces. The resolution underscored the need for a zero-tolerance approach to such crimes and proposed the formation of an interprovincial task force to coordinate efforts in combating this form of violence. Another significant resolution, introduced by NosheenIftikhar of the Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N), addressed the protection of citizens' fundamental rights in the digital sphere. It advocated for stricter legislation against unauthorised video recordings, cyber harassment, and digital defamation. It further recommended bolstering the capacity of law enforcement agencies, especially digital forensic units, and called for the establishment of complaint desks within police stations. The resolution also proposed the integration of educational content on digital ethics, privacy rights, and anti-harassment legislation into school curricula, alongside the launch of public awareness campaigns to inform citizens of their digital rights and available legal remedies. In legislative business, the House passed two bills: the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, both tabled by Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry. Additionally, the government introduced the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Motor Vehicles Industry Development Bill, 2025, also moved by Chaudhry. Two ordinances were laid before the House: the Capital Development Authority (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, presented by the Minister of State for Interior, and the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority Ordinance, 2025, tabled by Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain. Addressing a calling attention notice, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry stated that a major water infrastructure project is under consideration to address the water requirements of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. He added that the installation of recharge wells is also underway to enhance groundwater levels. On the matter of Utility Stores Corporation (USC) employees, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry informed the House that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a committee to explore a golden handshake scheme for resolving outstanding employee issues. In a separate briefing, Minister of State for Climate Change, Shezra Kharal, said that a national climate finance strategy is in the works to promote green financing both domestically and internationally. She highlighted the launch of the Recharge Pakistan initiative, aimed at ensuring water conservation and building climate-resilient infrastructure. Collaborative efforts with provincial governments are also underway to curb deforestation, she added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Senate body recommends Extradition (Amendment) Bill, 2025
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control recommended the Extradition (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The committee meeting chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman was held on Tuesday to review key legislative proposals and pressing national issues, including security preparations for Muharram in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad's water shortage. The committee discussed the Extradition (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which has been passed by the National Assembly and referred to concerned ministries for input. As per the objective and reason of the bill, since the enactment of Extradition Act, 1972, no amendments are made. The delay in disposal of extradition cases, reflect badly at international forums. The extradition requests are received from foreign jurisdictions through diplomatic channels. The cases are processed under Extradition Act, 1972 and have to be forwarded to the Federal Cabinet twice i.e. for initiation of the process by nominating inquiry officer and after receiving report from the inquiry officer for surrendering/extradition as per sections 7, 11, and 13 of the Extradition Act, 1972. Extradition cases are forwarded to the Federal Cabinet for consideration which takes considerable time due to busy schedule of the Federal Cabinet's official business. The ministry supported the proposed amendments. The Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was also reviewed, which seeks to address concerns of overseas Pakistanis who are unable to resume citizenship after acquiring foreign nationality. The amendment aims to bridge this legal gap in cases where dual nationality arrangements exist. Senator Hidayatullah Khan raised concerns over inefficiencies at passport offices, citing delays and mishandling of cases. Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi assured the committee that the matter would be investigated and emphasised the need for professionalism and accountability in public service. The committee also discussed quota allocations in prohibited areas, particularly, in Balochistan and KPK. Minister Naqvi informed that the policy is under revision and that NADRA-linked license cancellations are also being reviewed. The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, moved by Senator Muhammad Tallal Badar, was examined. The proposed changes include life imprisonment and fines for crimes against women and for harboring individuals involved in hijacking. The Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, was deferred. The committee discussed the Point of Public Importance regarding the water crisis in Islamabad, raised by Senator Fawzia Arshad during a sitting of the Senate. She highlighted the situation in Sector G-6/4, where thousands of complaints remain unresolved. Naqvi informed that a task force, formed on the prime minister's directive, is reviewing key water projects, and Senator Arshad has been invited to attend the task force's next meeting to assess progress. The committee also recommended convening an in-camera meeting to address security concerns raised by Senator Saifullah Abro in Sindh. Members, unanimously, agreed that no compromise should be made in matters involving threats to members' families. On the issue of Muharram security preparations, the committee was briefed on coordination efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including inter-agency collaboration, drone surveillance, and sealing of provincial boundaries. Senator Abdul Qadir raised concerns about security gaps on the DI Khan–Balochistan route. KPK Police acknowledged the issue and reported that six new security posts have been approved under the Annual Development Programme (ADP), and coordination with the Ministry of Interior and NHA has strengthened response capabilities. Regarding the recent Mardan incident, KPK Police reported significant progress, including arrests of facilitators and the elimination of key militant elements. The chairman stressed the need for maximum on-ground presence and visible deterrence to ensure peaceful observance of Muharram. The meeting was attended by senators, Fawzia Arshad, Naseema Ehsan, Palwasha Khan, Saifullah Abro, Mir Dostain Khan Domki, Umer Farooq, Jam Saifullah Khan, IrfanulHaque Siddiqui, Shahadat Awan, Hidayatullah Khan, Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, Muhammad Tallal Badar, and senior officials from relevant departments, while KPK Police participated online. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
