Highlights
The second joint sitting of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) of Pakistan was held on Friday, January 24, 2025. The session lasted for a total of 18 minutes only. A total of 219 MNAs and 53 Senators were in attendance. A major highlight of the session was a protest by PTI-backed independents and SIC members, who chanted slogans, thumped desks, tore up papers, and displayed placards throughout the proceedings. Despite the disruptions, the House conducted legislative business, with four bills being passed.
Legislation
Four bills were passed during the session.
The Trade Organizations (Amendment) Bill, 2025 moved by Mr. Jam Kamal Khan (NA-257Hub-cum-Lasbela-cum-Awaran, Balochistan, PML-N), Federal Minister for Commerce, amends the Trade Organizations Act, 2013, to streamline the operations of trade organizations. It extends the tenure of chambers of commerce and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry from one year to two years, aiming to enhance administrative efficiency.
The Imports and Exports (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was also moved by Federal Minister Mr. Jam Kamal Khan. This bill introduces provisions to allow one-time relaxation of import/export prohibitions and restrictions. It vests discretionary power in the Minister for Commerce, ensuring administrative efficiency while keeping oversight by the Cabinet and Parliament.
The National Institute of Technology Bill, 2025, moved by Ms. Zahra Wadood Fatemi, MNA (Reserved Seat for Women, Punjab, PML-N), provides for the establishment of the National Institute of Technology to enhance technical and vocational education.
The National Excellence Institute Bill, 2025, moved by Senator Manzoor Ahmed (Balochistan, BAP), establishes the National Excellence Institute, aimed at promoting research and innovation.
It is important to note that these bills had previously been returned by the President under Article 75 of the Constitution, citing objections. The Trade Organizations (Amendment) Bill, 2021 and the Imports and Exports (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2023 were returned by former President Dr. Arif Alvi, while the National Institute of Technology Bill, 2024 and The National Excellence Institute Bill, 2024 were returned by President Asif Ali Zardari.
Opposition lawmakers strongly protested the rapid passage of bills. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq denied opposition leader Mr. Omar Ayub Khan the opportunity to speak, leading to uproar as SIC members and PTI-backed indepdents chanted slogans, tore copies of the agenda, and thumped desks in defiance. Despite the pandemonium, the bills were passed.
The joint session of Pakistan’s Parliament, initially scheduled to reconvene on February 18, 2025, was unexpectedly prorogued by President Asif Ali Zardari on February 17, 2025, for an indefinite period. This abrupt decision came after the session had been adjourned on January 24, 2025, with plans to resume on the aforementioned date.[1]
References
[1] Amir Wasim, “Fazl slams govt over ‘lack of civilian decision-making’,” Dawn online, February 18, 2025, accessed February 20, 2025. https://www.dawn.com/news/1892697