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Wednesday February 19, 2025

Five bills introduced in NA amid PTI’s protest

Bill was not opposed by government and was referred to relevant committee for further consideration

By Asim Yasin
January 15, 2025
An inside view of the National Assembly. — APP/File
An inside view of the National Assembly. — APP/File

ISLAMABAD: Amid shouting’ and display of placards by the beleaguered PTI parliamentarians on the private members day in the National Assembly on Tuesday, the treasury benches members introduced five bills, which were referred to the standing committees concerned.

The opposition’s protest started after Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq refused to give them the floor to speak saying he would first complete the business of the day. “The members come to the House with hard work on their bills,” he said.

PTI legislator Nisar Jatt pointed out the quorum. Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq found the quorum incomplete after the count and adjourned the house for 15 minutes. After the break was over, Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah chaired the session and ordered the count which was found to be complete, as 100 legislators were present. However, he adjourned the house till today (Wednesday afternoon).

Earlier, PPP legislator Shazia Marri introduced the private member bill amending the Zakat and Ushr Ordinance, 1980 in its application to the Islamabad Capital Territory Zakat and Ushr (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill was not opposed by the government and was referred to the relevant committee for further consideration.

PPP legislator Sharmila Farooqi introduced the Islamabad Capital Territory Dowry Restraint Bill, 2025, which was referred to the committee for further consideration, as the government did not oppose it. Sharmila also introduced “The Islamabad Animal Protection Bill, 2025,” that was referred to the relevant committee for further consideration.

According to the bill, this Act is committed to ensuring the protection of animals as well as fostering a better understanding of the vital role played by animals in daily lives of human beings.

PPP legislator Ms Sehar Kamran introduced the National Commission on the Rights of Child (Amendment) Bill, 2025 that was referred to the relevant standing committee for further consideration after the government did not oppose it. The amendment bill seeks to remove membership from Fata following the implementation of 25th constitutional Amendment. PPP legislator Shazia Marri introduced the Capital Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025 that was referred to the relevant standing committee for further consideration. The bill mandates inclusion of accessibility standards in regulations for ensuring access to all buildings and facilities for the person with disabilities within the jurisdiction of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and aims to promote equal participation and inclusive infrastructure for all.