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Business Recorder
5 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
Express Tribune
5 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.
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
NA resolution reiterates country's commitment to Kashmir cause
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution marking the sixth anniversary of India's revocation of Article 370, reiterating Pakistan's longstanding position that Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) remains an 'international dispute' and that the right of Kashmiris to self-determination is non-negotiable. The resolution, jointly presented by Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam in Urdu and Shazia Marri in English, asserted that IIOJK is not an internal matter of India, but a pending issue on the global stage that warrants urgent attention in line with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. The House minced no words in condemning India's illegal, unilateral and morally indefensible actions of August 5, 2019, which it insisted were designed to alter the internationally-recognised status of IIOJK – a move it said violated both international law and the will of the Kashmiri people. 'This House reiterates that Jammu and Kashmir is an international dispute and Pakistan will never compromise on the right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination as guaranteed under international law and UN resolutions,' said the resolution. The House declared August 5 as a 'Black Day', describing it as the onset of a siege that has led to gross human rights violations and the denial of fundamental freedoms in IIOJK. The resolution strongly condemned New Delhi for demographic engineering, political persecution, media blackouts, and the use of collective punishment in Kashmir – all in breach, it said, of the Geneva Conventions. It warned that no unilateral action by India could alter the disputed nature of the region, which remains on the UN's active agenda. 'The voices of Kashmiris cannot be silenced by force, censorship, or occupation,' the resolution stated. 'Such acts are not peace – they are tyranny.' In an emotional crescendo, the House proclaimed that from Srinagar to Islamabad, the heart beats as one for Kashmir, vowing continued political, moral, and diplomatic support. The resolution also characterised the Kashmir issue as the 'unfinished agenda of the partition' of the subcontinent. Adding to the chorus, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar paid homage to the late Hurriyat leader late Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Shaheed Kashmiri resistance leader Burhan Wani, describing them as symbols of the 'indigenous freedom movement.' He accused India of deploying oppressive tactics to crush what he maintained was a home grown struggle. Minister for Health Services and Regulations Mustafa Kamal echoed this sentiment, condemning brutalities in Kashmir and asserting that Pakistan's political spectrum remains united on the issue. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, while veering into foreign policy, announced new travel arrangements for Zaireen (religious pilgrims) visiting Iran and Iraq. He said flights from Quetta would be expanded to reduce the security risks of road travel. 'We are in talks with the Iranian government, and private airlines have also been offered to facilitate pilgrims during Arbaeen,' he noted. Meanwhile, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry, in a bid to dispel circulating rumours, clarified that there would be no fresh military operation in Bajaur. However, he made it clear that both security operations and non-military counterterrorism measures under the National Action Plan (NAP) would continue. He urged political leaderships in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to support security forces beyond political lines in combating the menace of terrorism and militancy. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Proposed amendment on LGs: NA Secretariat asked to issue reminder to all parliamentary party leaders
ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary body on Tuesday directed the National Assembly Secretariat to issue a reminder to all parliamentary party leaders to submit their opinion on the proposed constitutional amendment aimed at strengthening local governments. The Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice, which met with MNA Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk in the chair, discussed 'The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025' (Article 140-A) moved by MNA Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, seeking to make local government institutions more viable and effective in line with the aspirations of the people of Pakistan. The parliamentary body observed that, in compliance with its previous directions, letters were issued to the provincial governments as well as to the parliamentary leaders of all political parties, seeking their views regarding the proposed amendment in Article 140-A. However, the committee has so far not received a response of any parliamentary leader in this regard. The committee directed the secretariat to issue a reminder to all parliamentary leaders to submit their opinions as soon as possible to proceed further in the matter. The meeting also considered 'The Qanun-e-Shahadat (Amendment) Bill, 2025' moved by MNA Shazia Marri. During detailed deliberations, the mover informed the committee that, in light of the discussions held during the previous meeting, the proposed bill had been redrafted. The revised draft of the bill was placed before the parliamentary body for consideration, she said. The members of the committee observed that, since the bill now contained substantive amendments, it was not feasible to deliberate upon the revised draft without prior examination. Therefore, the committee decided to defer consideration of the bill till its next meeting to allow members sufficient time for a thorough review. The committee also considered the 'Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024' (Article 25) moved by MNA Nafeesa Shah and 'The Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2024' (Section 54-A) moved by MNA Sofia Saeed Shah but due to the non-availability of the movers, the committee decided to defer consideration of both bills to its next meeting, with the observation that no further deferment shall be granted. The committee decided that, in case of continued absence of the movers, the bills shall be taken up and decided upon in absentia. MNAs Zahra Wadood Fatemi, Kiran Haider, Syed Ibrar Ali Shah, Syed Naveed Qamar, Syed Hafeezuddin, Hassan Sabir, Ali Muhammad Khan, Umair Khan Niazi, Changaze Ahmec Khan, Sardar Muhammad Latif Khan Khosa, Aliya Kamran, Shazia Marri, Jawed Hanif Khan, and senior officials of Ministry of Law and Justice attended the meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
17-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
NA Budget Debate sees tensions flare between PPP and MQM
Listen to article The debate on Pakistan's proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year in the National Assembly intensified on Tuesday as tensions flared between Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and (Muttahida Qaumi Movement) MQM members. PPP's Shazia Marri, in her address, called criticised the government's failure to announce minimum wages for workers and called for a reasonable increase in government employees' salaries. Her speech took a unexpected turn when a heated exchange broke out between PPP and MQM members, escalating tensions in the assembly. As Shazia stressed the importance of Karachi remaining an integral part of Sindh, MQM's Asiya Ishaq approached PPP members, leading to an intervention by Aseefa Bhutto, Sahar Kamran, and others. Read: Budget: will it power tech economy or stall its promise? This led to a tense exchange of harsh words between both parties. Javed Hanif remarked, "You people have abandoned Karachi, and now you threaten us." Meanhile Shazia also condemned the Israeli attacks on Iran, as well as Israel's aggression against Palestinians and India's actions. She also praised the Iranian Parliament for expressing gratitude towards Pakistan. She highlighted the Prime Minister's decision to send a delegation abroad, which was led by Bilawal Bhutto. She lauded Bilawal Bhutto for effectively representing Pakistan on the global stage, stating, "Bilawal Bhutto has fought Pakistan's case everywhere, and his success is our success. Bilawal has made us all proud." Shazia Marri also criticised the government for failing to address rising inflation and not announcing a minimum wage in the budget. She acknowledged that PPP had raised salaries but pointed out the government's internal divisions over the budget. She strongly opposed the 18% tax on solar panels, calling it unacceptable and stating that PPP does not support it. Lastly, she remarked on the opposition government's performance, saying, "Everyone has witnessed the government of this opposition. You have taken the highest amount of loans in history." Read more: Essential items' prices soar after federal budget Mian Khan Bugti, belonging to the Pakistan Muslims League - Nawaz (PML-N) commended the government for allocating Rs 250 billion for the development of Balochistan, highlighting the focus on vital connectivity projects in the province. Syed Amin-ul-Haque pointed to positive economic indicators, such as a reduction in inflation and growth in foreign exchange reserves and remittances. He noted that global financial institutions are recognizing the country's economic recovery. Shahida Begum raised concerns over the inadequacy of the budget for education and healthcare, urging the government to increase allocations for these sectors to 4% of GDP. Read more: Teachers decry budget, demand upgrades Ibrar Ahmed, in his speech, declared the budget as people-friendly, stating that it outlines a vision for national development. Engineer Amir Muqam, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, highlighted the relief provided to employees and the public in the budget. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan emphasised the need for innovative solutions to help the people and proposed tax exemptions for employees earning up to Rs 2.2 million annually. Syed Hussain Tariq stressed the importance of supporting the agriculture sector to ensure food security for the country. Other members also shared their perspectives on the budget. Mian Khan Bugti praised the allocation of Rs 250 billion for Balochistan's development, with a focus on essential connectivity projects in the province.
