ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Monday passed the contempt of Court bill, 2012 amid opposition protest, Geo News reported.
Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Farooq H. Naek moved the bill in the assembly.
Under Section 248(1) of the constitution, holders of government offices including Prime Minister, federal ministers, ministers of state, chief ministers and provincial ministers have been exempted from court proceedings under charges of contempt of court.
The court will grant bail the same day of the contempt of court charge to the accused, if he/she is happens to be the holder of one of the above offices.
Prime Minister, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, on the occasion said the government is committed to strengthening democracy in the country.
Commenting on the recent reopening of Nato supply routes by the government, he said the US offered apology on Pakistan's demand.
He said the government had to face enormous pressure for eight months prior to the government's move to restore Ground Lines of Communication for Nato supply to Afaghistan.
Law Minister, Farooq H. Haek said that no action was taken against that is in clash with the provisions of the Constitution or law.
He said some good provisions taken from 1976 and 2003 bills have been included in the bill.
Later, NA proceedings were adjourned till 11:00 AM Tuesday.
APP adds: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf Monday assured National Assembly of protecting and preserving national dignity as well as respect of the parliament and other institutions.
Speaking in the House after passage of Contempt of Court Bill and discussion on resumption of NATO supplies, the Prime Minister said, “the government is fully aware of national obligations and pride and has firm resolve to protect it.”
“We have not hidden anything from the nation and will not do so in future. If there will be any MoU or agreement regarding war against terrorism, we shall place it before the nation,” he added in special reference to resumption of NATO supplies.