National Assembly and Senate to consider legislation, public-interest issues and committee reports during concurrent sessions
ISLAMABAD: Both houses of Parliament will meet on Monday to deliberate on key legislative and public-interest matters, with a combined 111-point agenda issued for the concurrent sessions of the National Assembly and Senate.
The National Assembly will hold a 42-point agenda, while the Senate will take up 69 items covering legislation, committee reports, public-interest matters and resolutions.
National Assembly session at 5pm
Ahead of the National Assembly sitting, the Business Advisory Committee will meet at 4:00pm in the Speaker’s Lounge under the chairmanship of the Speaker.
The committee will discuss the duration of the session, finalise the business to be taken up by the House and consider other matters with the permission of the Chair.
Key government and opposition representatives have been invited to participate in the meeting.
The National Assembly session will begin at 5:00pm.
Lawmakers will raise calling attention notices on several issues, including growing water scarcity in Islamabad, the need to establish water purification plants and delays in allocating land for construction of the National Museum at Shakarparian.
The House is also scheduled to introduce several amendment bills, including legislation concerning the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits, Natural Gas Development Surcharge and Gas Infrastructure Development Cess.
Standing committees on Commerce, Defence, Privatisation and Maritime Affairs will present reports on various bills, including the Insurance Bill and Copyright (Amendment) Bill.
The National Assembly will also consider bills already passed by the Senate seeking amendments to the Travel Agencies Act, Pakistan Tourist Guides Act and Motion Pictures Ordinance.
Senate to take up 69-point agenda
The Senate session will commence at 4:00pm with a 69-point agenda.
Standing committee reports on legislation concerning Lok Virsa, National Textile University, the Civil Servants Act and Area Study Centres will be presented before the Upper House.
The Senate will also consider private members’ bills aimed at regulating the use of disposable syringes in Islamabad and amending criminal laws.
Public-interest issues on Senate agenda
Several matters of public importance are scheduled for detailed discussion in the Senate.
These include alleged irregularities in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), the rising incidence of maternal deaths caused by postpartum haemorrhage, the growing trade deficit and the performance of Pakistan Railways.
The Senate will also discuss the National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) preparedness for monsoon floods, an issue of particular importance during the ongoing monsoon season.
Resolutions to be considered
The Senate agenda also includes resolutions seeking approval from the House.
One resolution calls for measures to provide training to Imams and Khateebs to promote human rights, tolerance and social justice.
Another resolution will pay tribute to the bravery of Shaheed Group Captain Asim Tariq.
The concurrent parliamentary proceedings are expected to cover a broad range of legislative, economic, social and public-interest issues as lawmakers take up the extensive agenda of both houses.
The sessions will provide Parliament with an opportunity to consider pending legislation, review government policies and debate issues affecting citizens and the wider economy.