Senate to take up key legislative agenda

President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday summoned the Senate to meet on July 4. The government is likely to table the Election Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, a bill that has already been passed by the National Assembly.

According to parliamentary schedule, the next session was not due until July 8. However, the ruling coalition has decided to call the session ahead of its schedule on July 4.

The sources said the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has sent a summary to convene the session on July 4. They added that the Elections (Amendment) Bill 2024 will be presented for approval in the Senate session.

The purpose of the bill is to make retired judges of the high courts eligible for appointment as members of election tribunals.

Consultations are also ongoing about passing a resolution condemning the US House of Representatives’ resolution during the Senate session, the sources added.

In a significant display of bipartisan support, the US House of Representatives last week passed a resolution expressing robust support for democracy in Pakistan by an overwhelming 368-7 vote.