Joint sitting of parliament to be held after Eid

Final announcement expected soon

The government has decided to convene a joint sitting of parliament and the budget session of the National Assembly immediately after Eidul Fitr.

According to sources, it has been decided that the joint sitting of parliament will be on June 1, while the National Assembly and the Senate will meet in the first week of next month. In this regard, Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Babar Awan has begun consultation, the sources said.

The final announcement is expected in a few days after consultation with the National Assembly speaker and the Senate chairman, they added.

According to the sources, preparations for the Finance Bill have also entered the final phase and consultations are underway with the finance ministry and other relevant ministries in this regard.

Parliamentary sources said that in view of the coronavirus pandemic, precautionary measures would also be taken during the budget session and the joint sitting. There is a strong possibility that delegates from across the country will not be invited.

A proposal to close the galleries and restrictions on bringing additional staff will also be implemented. The PRA will be consulted regarding media coverage, press gallery, and press lounge, the sources added.

The government was also mulling over the use of technology regarding the budget documents. it has yet to be decided whether or not to provide the budget documents in book form or through the use of technology.