Islamabad, January 20, 2026 – The Senate on Tuesday unanimously approved two key legislative measures, passing the Export Development Fund (EDF) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the National Tariff Commission (NTC) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, marking an important step toward strengthening Pakistan’s trade and tariff framework.
Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, representing the Minister for Commerce, formally moved both bills in the Upper House. The Senate adopted the legislation after conducting a clause-by-clause review, reflecting broad political consensus on the proposed amendments.
Earlier, the House approved a motion moved by the Law Minister under Rule 263 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012. The motion sought to dispense with the standard notice period prescribed under Rule 120, allowing the bills—already passed by the National Assembly—to be taken up immediately for consideration. Following approval of the motion, the Senate proceeded with debate and voting, resulting in unanimous passage of the bills.
The amendments to the EDF and NTC laws are aimed at improving institutional efficiency, supporting export-led growth, and strengthening the country’s trade remedy and tariff management mechanisms. Officials believe the updated legal framework will enhance transparency and effectiveness in addressing trade-related challenges.
Separately, the Law Minister, on behalf of the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Shah, laid before the Senate the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council Ordinance, 2025. The ordinance was presented in compliance with Article 89(2) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, fulfilling the constitutional requirement for parliamentary oversight.