Latest news with #SharmilaFarooqui
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
No bail for reckless drivers in fatal crashes
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior approved a significant amendment on Tuesday, declaring Section 320 of the PPC as non-bailable in cases where a person dies due to reckless driving. The committee met at Parliament House with Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz in the chair. The committee unanimously passed the amendment to the law, which ensures that accused drivers involved in fatal accidents due to negligence cannot secure bail. The proposal was part of the Criminal Law Amendment Bill 2024, presented by PPP lawmaker Sharmila Farooqui, who highlighted that 128 people died in road accidents in Islamabad last year. "Accidents don't discriminate between the poor and the rich," committee member Qadir Patel said. "Even God forgives mistakes, but the law must uphold justice." The members supported the amendment to the Section 320 of the PPC. Section 320 PPC deals with the punishment for 'Qatl-i-Khata', a form of culpable homicide, by rash or negligent driving. The committee however, kept Section 319, which also dealt with 'Qatl-i-Khata', unchanged. The committee also approved the Anti-Terrorism Amendment Bill 2024 without any opposition. Meanwhile, the CrPC Amendment Bill 2025 was deferred to the next session at the Law Ministry's request. Notably, no PTI-backed members attended the meeting. Amid PTI's call for protests in Islamabad, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry stated that only eight individuals were detained. He criticised PTI's leadership for failing to follow proper procedures. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Chaudhry said that the PTI had applied for permission for protest via email but never followed up on it. He added that the provincial authorities reached out to the PTI's local leadership but received no response.
Express Tribune
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
CII declares underage marriage bill ‘un-Islamic'
Listen to article The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) on Tuesday rejected a bill banning marriage under the age of 18, calling it 'un-Islamic' and incompatible with Sharia law. The bill, recently passed by the National Assembly and endorsed by the Senate, aimed to outlaw child marriages in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), criminalising unions involving anyone under 18. The CII said the legislation's provision to define underage marriage as rape and impose punishments contradicted Islamic teachings. In its latest meeting, the council criticised the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government's proposed 'Child Marriage Prohibition Bill 2025,' arguing it was contrary to Sharia, expressing concern that the legislation had not been sent to the CII for review prior to its presentation in parliament. Read more: NA passes bill criminalising child marriage It concluded with a formal statement rejecting the federal bill, originally tabled by Pakistan Peoples Party lawmaker Sharmila Farooqui. Additionally, the council expressed that while thalassemia testing before marriage could be encouraged, it should not be made mandatory. It emphasised the importance of keeping marriage procedures free from unnecessary complexities, in accordance with Islamic principles. The council was referring to the Sindh Prevention and Control of Thalassemia Act 2013, which makes it mandatory for couples to undergo thalassemia testing before marriage. It also condemned societal pressure on families—particularly brides—to provide dowries, calling the practice un-Islamic. Read more: Fazlur Rehman warns of protests over underage marriage ban bill The council said women should be allowed to retain either their husband's or parents' domicile after marriage. It reiterated that, under Islamic law, a husband is not financially liable for his divorced wife following the completion of her Iddat (waiting period). The CII also announced the formation of a committee to review and propose amendments to Section 7 of the 'Muslim Family Laws Amendment Bill 2025,' following a request from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Separately, the council reviewed inquiries from the National Accountability Bureau on issues related to investments, housing schemes, and Islamic profit-sharing arrangements such as Mudarabah.
Express Tribune
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
NA panel passes Climate Accountability Bill 2024
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Climate Change has passed the Climate Accountability Bill 2024. The NA panel meeting was held on Wednesday under the chair of Munazza Hasan that discussed Climate Accountability Bill 2024 forwarded by MNA Sharmila Farooqui. The proponent of the bill told the committee that the bill envisaged corporate responsibility and it aimed at reducing carbon expenditures. The bill proposes the establishment of a climate change fund and suggests imposing fines on companies that harm the environment, Sharmila said. The Ministry of Climate Change secretary informed the committee that the process of setting up the fund had already begun. The secretary recommended conducting a vote on the bill, which was subsequently passed unanimously. During the NA committee meeting, MNA Nuzhat Sadiq presented the Pakistan Environmental Protection Bill 2024. The climate change ministry secretary said the ministry requires Prime Minister's opinion on the bill. Besides, the Ministry of Law also adopted the same stance. In addition, the committee sought a detailed briefing on burning crop residues. Pakistan Environment Protection Agency director-general said fines have been imposed on four private housing societies due to a lack of sewage system. The committee chairperson questioned why EPA failed to take action during the construction of these housing societies.
