ISLAMABAD: A joint session of the Parliament witnessed intense opposition protests and objections from the President of Pakistan as three key bills were passed despite significant controversy. The session, which was chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, began 35 minutes later than scheduled and included debates on several crucial legislative matters.
During the session, the President raised objections on two major bills: the Danish Schools Authority Bill and the Domestic Violence Prevention Bill. In his remarks, the President suggested that the federal government consult with the provinces before establishing the Danish Schools Authority. He also criticized the Domestic Violence Bill for its lack of clarity, particularly concerning the proposed punishments, urging that it be reconsidered in its current form.
Despite these objections, the session proceeded with the government pushing through the bills.
The National Commission on Human Rights Amendment Bill was introduced by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. During the session, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) member Shazia Marri proposed an amendment to the bill, which was supported by the government. However, amendments proposed by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) led by Senator Kamran Murtaza and Senator Alia Kamran were rejected. The bill was eventually approved by the Parliament.
The Danish Schools Authority Bill also came up for discussion, with JUI’s Senator Kamran Murtaza reading out the President’s objections to the bill. Murtaza stressed that the President had recommended consulting the provinces before moving forward, but this advice appeared to be ignored.
As the Speaker moved ahead with the approval process, the opposition erupted in protests, with members from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and JUI chanting slogans and standing up against the Speaker’s decision. PTI members gathered around the Speaker’s dais in protest, while opposition leaders including Raja Nasir Abbas and Barrister Gohar also joined in, demanding that the bills be delayed for further review.
Despite the uproar, the Speaker allowed the bill’s approval, which led to a continued exchange of slogans and disruptions in the house.
The Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Bill 2025 was also brought up for approval. JUI members, led by Senators Kamran Murtaza and Alia Kamran, once again raised objections to the bill, reiterating the President’s concerns about its vagueness. However, the Speaker, Ayaz Sadiq, refused to entertain further debate on the bill, stating that members who had not submitted amendments would not be allowed to speak.
Despite objections, the bill was approved after the rejection of all amendments. The protests from PTI members, including Iqbal Afridi and Engineer Hamid Hussain, continued throughout the proceedings.
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