26th Amendment to bring stability: PM

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which was passed by parliament with a two-thirds majority on Monday, will serve as a "milestone for the country's political and economic stability" and public welfare.

While chairing a federal cabinet meeting, the prime minister said that the legislation was essential for judicial reforms and the improvement of the judicial system.

He expressed hope that the amendment would alleviate the hardships faced by the common man due to excessive delays in seeking justice.

Furthermore, he noted that the 26th Constitutional Amendment was passed after in-depth consultations among coalition and opposition parties, representing "an accomplishment of the vision of the Charter of Democracy."

He extended his gratitude to the leadership of the supportive political parties.

The PM also congratulated everyone on the successful conclusion of the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government and praised the performance of the involved departments.

He remarked that the meeting had positively raised Pakistan's image, stating, "Holding the summit, despite challenges such as terrorism and security concerns, was a great success for Pakistan."

He commended the efforts of the relevant ministries and law enforcement agencies and acknowledged the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for beautifying Islamabad.

He also mentioned the "successful" bilateral visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang – after a hiatus of 11 years. He said that the government was working on a comprehensive plan to send relief supplies to Gaza and Lebanon, and a committee was working under Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.

Shehbaz sought a report on the growing number of polio cases emerging in the country this year and directed the authorities concerned to immediately formulate a comprehensive strategy on the matter. The cabinet approved the restructuring of the Pharmacy Council of Pakistan.

Discussing other agenda items, the federal cabinet referred the Domestic Violence (Preventing and Protection) Bill 2024 to Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases. The bill aimed at providing an institutional framework to curb domestic violence.

On the recommendation of the Education Ministry, the cabinet approved the appointment of Lt-Gen (retd) Moazzam Ijaz, Engineer Fahim Iqbal and Asim Shahryar in the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission Board as private members.

The cabinet also approved the appointment of Dr Shafia Arshad as Chairperson of National Council for Tibb and Dr Rizwan Asif, Muhammad Khurshid Alam, Ikramullah, Moinuddin and Dr Attaullah as its members.

The cabinet approved the law ministry as a transmitting and receiving agency of applications under the Claims for Maintenance (Recovery Abroad) 1959. The approval of the Hajj Policy 2025 was postponed once again due to the absence of Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik.

 

(WITH INPUTS FROM APP)