Pakistan’s National Assembly Passes Contempt of Parliament Bill

The National Assembly of Pakistan unanimously passed the “Contempt of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) Bill, 2023.” This bill stipulates a penalty of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to Rs1 million for any action deemed a violation of the legislature’s sovereignty or integrity.

Rana Qasim Noon, a dissenting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges, presented the bill to the lower House. NA Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf oversaw the session.

Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, voiced his support for the bill, suggesting it would strengthen parliamentary oversight. He highlighted the necessity of a law addressing contempt of Parliament, pointing out that similar laws exist for other institutions.

The new legislation proposes the establishment of a 24-member Parliamentary Contempt Committee to probe instances of parliamentary contempt. The committee will be composed equally of opposition and government members. The bill also allows the committee to call upon any state or government official for contempt of Parliament.

The committee, upon investigation, will submit a report to the NA speaker and Senate chairman, who will then determine the appropriate penalty based on the recommendations.

The bill outlines that any person can be charged with contempt of a house through a motion, and the matter can be referred to the Contempt Committee by the speaker or the Senate chairperson. If the committee deems someone guilty of contempt, the chairperson can move a motion in the House.

A Contempt Committee of 24 members with equal representation from each House will be formed within thirty days of the bill’s commencement. Fourteen members will be from the Treasury Benches, nominated by the Leader of the House, and ten from the opposition, nominated by the Leader of the Opposition. The National Assembly Secretariat’s Secretary will act as the Contempt Committee’s Secretary. Decisions will be based on the majority vote and presented as recommendations.

The bill ensures the provision of a fair trial as per the Constitution, but it does not allow representation by a legal practitioner or an advocate. The Contempt Committee will elect a chairperson during its first meeting.

A house may impose penalties outlined in this Act based on the committee’s recommendations. Those guilty of contempt may face up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to 1 million rupees, or both.

The push for a contempt of parliament bill came in response to the current government’s dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court and other state institutions’ involvement in executive matters. Earlier this month, the NA’s Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges approved the tabling of a “contempt of parliament bill” on the House floor.