NA passes record 24 bills

30th session records unprecedented legislative activity

ISLAMABAD:

The National Assembly passed a record 24 bills during its 30th session, held from Oct 13 to 30, according to a report released by the lower house secretariat.

Of the bills passed, 17 were government-sponsored and seven were private members' bills, the report said.

Seven of the government bills were sent to the Senate, while the remaining 10 were forwarded to the president for assent. Of the private members' bills, five were referred to the Senate and two sent to the president for approval.

The House also saw the introduction of 16 bills during the session, including nine government-sponsored and seven private members' bills. A motion to form a parliamentary committee on electoral reforms was also unanimously adopted, the report said.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq facilitated the legislative process, prioritising measures relating to public interest, it added.

To build consensus on legislation, Sadiq convened meetings of select committees comprising representatives of parliamentary parties, ministry officials and National Assembly authorities.

He also ensured the presence of relevant ministers and parliamentary secretaries during Question Hour. Senior officials from the concerned ministries were directed to remain in the visitors' gallery during Question Hour and proceedings on calling-attention notices.

The speaker also gave representatives of all parliamentary parties opportunities to speak on points of order to maintain an orderly atmosphere in the House. The assembly passed three resolutions during the session.

Ministers and parliamentary secretaries responded to 298 questions raised by lawmakers, according to the report. Of the 17 calling-attention notices taken up, government ministers or parliamentary secretaries responded to 15, while the remaining two were referred to the relevant standing committees.