NA passes Nexus University Bill 2024 amid cacophony

As soon as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif entered the National Assembly hall to attend the session on Tuesday, he met with a cacophony of PTI's protest. The commotion in the lower house forced the Speaker to adjourn the house proceedings.

The NA session began under the chair of Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached the house along with the members of his cabinet after the cabinet meeting. As soon as he entered, the PTI lawmakers stood on their benches and held protest by holding placards in their hands. The PTI lawmakers chanted slogans and made 'oooooooooh' echo in chorus.

The commotion in the house disrupted the proceedings and the speaker as well as government lawmakers were forced to use headphones. When the protest intensified, the treasury MNAs, including information minister Attaullah Tarar, Hanif Abbasi, Malik Abrar and others made a protective shield around the prime minister.

However, the Speaker continued the house proceedings and the National Assembly passed a bill to establish Nexus International University of Health Emerging Sciences and Technologies, Islamabad.

The bill, titled The Nexus International University of Health Emerging Sciences and Technologies, Islamabad Bill, 2024, was moved by MNA Anjum Aqeel Khan. During the session, the house approved amendments proposed by Agha Rafiullah to allocate a 10% quota for underprivileged and deserving students at the university. However, amendments moved by MNA Aliya Kamran were rejected.

According to the statement of objects and reasons, this bill aims to establish a university that plays a pivotal role in advancing healthcare, research and innovation.