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Business Recorder
4 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
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
WPC reaffirms commitment to bipartisan collaboration
ISLAMABAD: The Women's Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) of the National Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to gender-sensitive legislation, inclusive governance, and bipartisan collaboration. The National Assembly committee was held under the leadership of WPC Secretary Dr Shahida Rehmani, MNA. Welcoming newly-elected women members of the National Assembly, Dr Rehmani congratulated them on their induction and underscored the importance of their role in amplifying women's voices in Pakistan's democratic processes. 'The WPC is a bipartisan platform dedicated to collective action for gender justice,' she said, inviting new members to contribute actively to this shared mission. The session included a detailed orientation on the WPC's structure, functions, and key objectives, with a focus on legislation, oversight, advocacy, and inter-institutional coordination. The committee also reviewed the WPC's achievements during 2024–25, including: Strengthening provincial Women's Caucuses through inter-provincial learning exchanges; Organising the National Women's Convention 2025, bringing together voices from federal and provincial legislatures; Promoting gender-responsive budgeting and economic reforms; Hosting Pakistan's first Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians International Workshop; and spearheading dialogues on inclusive political participation and digital democracy. Dr Rehmani reiterated that the WPC will continue to serve as a proactive and inclusive platform committed to promoting women's empowerment and democratic progress in Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
MPs unite to condemn honour killings
The National Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution strongly condemning the unlawful acts of so-called honour killings. Moved by Shahida Rehmani, it emphasized zero tolerance for such acts and proposed the formation of an interprovincial task force for coordinated action to curb these crimes. The house also reaffirmed Pakistan's historic and unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their struggle for freedom, dignity and justice. The resolution, moved by PPP lawmaker Shazia Marri, expressed deep concern over the continuing and escalating Israeli military aggression in Gaza, which has resulted in the killing of civilians and widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. It strongly condemned recent statements and actions by Israeli authorities indicating plans for the long-term occupation of Gaza, forced displacement of its population, and attempts to erase the Palestinian identity of the territory. The resolution also denounced the use of starvation, siege, and collective punishment as tools of war, emphasizing that these acts constitute war crimes under international law. The House called upon the United Nations and the international community to fulfill their moral and legal responsibilities by taking immediate and concrete steps to end Israeli military aggression in Gaza, ensure the protection of civilians, and guarantee unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance. It further urged that the occupying power be held accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity, and that the Palestinian people be supported in their quest for justice and self-determination. The resolution also urged the government to continue to raise its voice for the Palestinian cause at all international forums, including the United Nations and the OIC. In another resolution, moved by Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar of PML-N, the House urged the federal government to strengthen legal framework to ensure strict punishment for unauthorised video recording, cyber harassment, and digital defamation. It stressed enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies, including digital forensic units, to investigate and respond promptly and effectively. The House also called for targeted public awareness campaigns on digital rights, legal remedies, and safe reporting channels, in addition to establishing dedicated complaint desks in police stations. It further recommended introducing educational modules on digital ethics, privacy rights, and anti-harassment laws in institutions.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
NA passes resolutions against honour killings, digital harassment
Listen to article The National Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed resolutions against honour killings and digital harassment, calling for targeted public awareness campaigns and the introduction of educational modules on digital ethics, privacy rights, and anti-harassment laws in institutions. The resolution against honour killings, moved by Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) Shahida Rehmani during a National Assembly session chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, strongly condemned so-called honour killings and called for zero tolerance toward such crimes, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported. It also proposed the formation of an interprovincial task force to ensure coordinated efforts to eradicate honour-based violence. The lower house adopted several other resolutions, including one calling for stronger legal frameworks against unauthorised video recording, cyber harassment, and digital defamation. The House adopted a resolution moved by the Secretary Women's Parliamentary Caucus Dr. Shahida Rehmani, condemning the Honor killings across Pakistan.#NASession @ShahidaRehmani — National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) August 6, 2025 Moved by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, the resolution urged the federal government to strengthen law enforcement capacity and initiate public awareness campaigns on digital rights and safe reporting mechanisms. It also recommended the inclusion of educational modules on privacy, digital ethics, and anti-harassment laws in educational institutions and the establishment of dedicated complaint desks at police stations. The house also passed a resolution reaffirming Pakistan's historic and unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate struggle for freedom, dignity, and justice. The House, during the National Assembly session, unanimously adopted the resolution reaffirming Pakistan's historic and unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate struggle for freedom, dignity, and Justice. The resolution was moved by Member National… — National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) August 6, 2025 The resolution, tabled by PPP MNA Shazia Marri, expressed deep concern over the intensifying Israeli military aggression in Gaza, which has resulted in widespread civilian casualties and destruction of homes and infrastructure. It condemned the statements and actions of Israeli authorities suggesting a long-term occupation of Gaza, forced displacement of Palestinians, and systematic attempts to erase the territory's Palestinian identity. The resolution further denounced the use of starvation, siege tactics, and collective punishment, terming them war crimes under international law. The House called on the United Nations and the broader international community to fulfil their legal and moral obligations by taking immediate steps to end the aggression, ensure civilian protection, and facilitate unrestricted humanitarian access. It also called for accountability of the occupying power for war crimes and reaffirmed support for the Palestinian right to self-determination. Also Read: Pakistan, Turkiye conclude first bilateral amphibious naval drill The resolution urged the government to continue raising the issue on global platforms, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar moved the Whistleblower Protection and Vigilance Commission Bill, 2025 — already passed by the Senate — for consideration. However, an amendment moved by MNA Aliya Kamran referring the bill to the relevant committee was adopted. During the Question Hour, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Syed Hussain Tariq, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, raised concern over K-Electric's request for a waiver of Rs76 billion in unpaid dues and the practice of disconnecting entire feeders over non-payment by a few consumers. MNA Mir Munawar Ali Talpur also questioned the rationale behind collective punishment of entire neighbourhoods due to defaults by a few. Minister of State for Energy Abdur Rehman Khan Kanju and Parliamentary Secretary for Cabinet Division Sajid Mehdi responded to the queries. Speaker Sadiq took notice of the concerns and directed the minister to hold a special meeting with the concerned MNAs to find a viable solution.
Business Recorder
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Women lawmakers, civil society demand end to symbolic representation in politics
PESHAWAR: Women parliamentarians, civil society actors, and policy experts gathered at a high-level roundtable titled 'Raising Her Voice in Politics', jointly hosted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and the Women's Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) comprising parliamentarians from National Assembly and Senate of Pakistan PPP, PML-N, PTI, JUI, and MQM-P to spotlight Pakistan's persistent gaps in women's political representation and to push for immediate party and legislative reforms. In her welcome remarks from Chairperson, Women Parliamentarians Caucus, MNA Shahida Rehmani, who lauded SDPI for organizing the forum. 'It's a shared goal to not only include women in political parties but empower them to shape their own futures,' she said. Dr Rehmani further stated, 'Despite the 5% quota requirement under the Elections Act 2017, compliance remains weak, these figures reflect not just underrepresentation but active gate keeping within party structures.' Dr Rehmani also emphasized that women face systemic challenges within political parties and called for urgent solutions to ensure gender parity. She underscored the need for a binding 33% representation in all new political formations and highlighted gender policy equality as the critical path forward. As per the SDPI research, Pakistan's demographic reality further underscores the urgency of reform. Women make up 49% of the country's population, with 59 million registered female voters as of 2024. However, only 42% of women cast their votes in the last general election a 5% decline from 2018. Despite this numerical strength, women's influence in political decision-making remains minimal. An SDPI analysis of the constitutions of 19 political parties represented in Parliament found that only five parties complied with the 5% women's general seat nomination requirement. Notably, the Balochistan National Party and Awami National Party included 9 and 10 women, respectively, in their Central Executive Committees; highlighting a few examples of positive practice, though far from the norm. To better understand the legal framework, SDPI reviewed the Political Parties Order (PPO) 2002 and the Elections Act 2017. While the 2013 amendment to PPO 2002 enabled the introduction of a 5% nomination quota for women on general seats, another provision; calling for 33% representation of women political workers in all elected and non-elected bodies of political parties, was sidelined during legislative discussions and remains unimplemented. In light of these findings, Qasim Shah, Deputy Executive Director SDPI, stated ' A set of recommendations for urgent legislative and institutional reform. First, Section 208 of the Elections Act 2017 should be amended to require political parties to ensure at least 33% representation of women as office bearers in both elected and non-elected bodies — proportionate to the female population. Second, Section 202 of the same Act, which mandates a minimum of 2,000 members for party registration, should be revised to include a mandatory requirement of 33% female membership, ensuring gender-inclusive party formation from the outset.' Parliamentarians and Senators present at the roundtable welcomed these recommendations and voiced their support for institutional reform, gender audits, and accountability within political parties. They emphasized the need for a shift away from tokenism toward meaningful inclusion. In his vote of thanks, Dr. Abid Qayyum Suleri, Executive Director, SDPI, said, 'It's not enough to offer symbolic seats or fulfill quotas on paper. For democracy to be inclusive, women must be empowered to lead from the front. Marginalization of women is a global issue. Even the United Nations has yet to elect a woman Secretary General,' he said, citing the 'One for Eight Billion' campaign. Dr. Suleri urged an amendment to the Election Commission Act 2019 to enforce women's inclusion in political processes. In her closing remarks, MNA Tahira Aurangzeb of PML-N praised SDPI's efforts and reaffirmed the Caucus's commitment to progressive reforms. 'Women should comprise 50% of all political parties,' she said. 'They not only bring inclusivity but also utilize development funds more effectively. Punjab's progress under female leadership is testament to that.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
