Maryam includes PTI, PPP MPAs in law reforms committee

LAHORE: On the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab Home Department has appointed lawmakers from opposition parties — Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) — to the high-powered law reforms committee, formed to review and propose amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), and Qanun-e-Shahadat (Law of Evidence).

PTI’s MPA from PP-165 Lahore Ahmer Rasheed Bhatti and PPP’s MPA from PP-213 Multan Syed Ali Haider Gilani have officially joined the committee. Their inclusion marks a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation in Punjab’s legislative affairs, drawing commendation from both lawmakers.

Sources told ‘Jang’ that in a recent meeting of the law reforms committee, chaired by Minister for Law & Parliamentary Affairs Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharath, a member of the Punjab Assembly from PTI Ahmer Rasheed Bhatti appreciated the decision, stating, “Involving opposition members in the legislative reform process reflects a progressive and inclusive approach by the Punjab government. This collaboration will pave the way for more balanced and effective legislation.”

He suggested that all committee members be briefed on the successes of the National Action Plan, particularly in its role in curbing extremism and terrorism, to guide future policy-making.

Bhatti stressed the need for transparency and informed debate on proposed amendments to key legal frameworks, including the Anti-Terrorism Act, the CrPC, PPC, and Qanun-e-Shahadat.

Meanwhile, Syed Ali Haider Gilani extended his gratitude to CM Maryam Nawaz and lauded formation of the committee. He pledged full cooperation with the Punjab government in identifying and addressing loopholes in existing criminal laws. “We will support positive and meaningful reforms that strengthen the justice system,” Gilani said.

The PPP lawmaker also noted that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had issued clear directives to work actively on the second phase of the National Action Plan (NAP-II), indicating the party’s commitment to national security and law enforcement.

Gilani further underscored the need for precise language when discussing extremism, cautioning against equating all forms of violence in Punjab with religious terrorism. He called for a region-specific strategy for areas like south Punjab, particularly the “Kacha” regions, where a comprehensive policy framework is urgently needed.

“We will send a unified and uncompromising message to anti-state elements — that any campaign against the state will not be tolerated,” he declared.

The inclusion of opposition lawmakers in the Punjab law reforms committee is being viewed as a significant step toward strengthening democratic consultation in legislative matters.

It also reflects CM Maryam Nawaz’s intent to make lawmaking more participatory, robust, and aligned with ground realities.