Several bills have been temporarily stalled and sent back by President Dr. Arif Alvi for parliament’s review.
Both parliamentary houses previously approved these bills towards the conclusion of the PML-N-led administration. Their final verdict will be given once the general elections conclude and a new National Assembly convenes.
Among these bills is the Code of Criminal Procedure amendment, which proposes increased penalties for those disrespecting the Holy Prophet (PBUH), his companions, and other sacred figures.
Additionally, the list of returned bills features:
- The Press, Newspapers, News Agencies, and Books Registration amendment bill recommends changing references from ‘federal government’ to ‘Prime Minister’.
- The Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals bill suggests the transfer of journalist protection responsibilities from the Ministry of Human Rights to the Ministry of Information.
- The National Commission for Human Development (Amendment) Bill aims to modify NCHD’s functions and introduce structural amendments for operational efficiency.
- The Imports and Exports (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2023 is designed to address one-time relief for import/export-related limitations, especially for businesses.
- The Higher Education Commission (HEC) bill intends to extend the HEC chairman’s tenure to four years.
Other bills that were sent back for review include those related to the public sector commission, Pakistan Institute of Management Sciences, Horizon University, Federal Urdu University, NFC Institute in Multan, and the National Institute for Technology.
