During one of the recent Senate sessions. A total of nine different bills were introduced that covered various topics and suggested significant legislative changes as follows:
Change to Pakistan Penal Code 1860 Senate
An Islamabad-focused bill suggesting amendments to the Pakistan Penal Code 1860 for wildlife protection was referred to the Standing Committee.
Amendments to Anti-Smuggling Act 1898 Senate
The amendment bill for the Anti-Smuggling Act of 1898 concerns individual rights under military jurisdiction and has been sent to the relevant committee.
Amendments to the Human Smuggling Act 2018
Further constitutional amendments on establishing Southern Punjab province were referred to the Constitutional Amendment Bill Committee. Senator Awon Abbas Buppi presented the bill in the Senate.
Political Turmoil Ensues Senate
Senator Awon Abbas Buppi’s remarks triggered objections from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), leading to a commotion. The Senate Chairman subsequently muted Buppi’s microphone.
Administrative Moves and Legislative Decision
Buppi highlighted the relocation of the Southern Punjab Secretariat to Lahore and criticized the decision-making process. Despite objections, the Senate passed the bill to establish the Southern Punjab province with a two-thirds majority, which did not receive approval in the National Assembly.
Additional Legislative Proposals
Further amendments to the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance and the Private Schools Registration Regulation Act in Islamabad were referred to respective committees.
Delayed Bills
A bill regarding suspects under arrest and in custody was postponed due to Senator Farooq H. Naik’s absence.
Deferred Amendments
Bills for further amendments to Article 51. And Article 140 of the Constitution was postponed due to the absence of Senator Fauzia Arshad and Senator Sehar Kamran, respectively.
These legislative proceedings underscore the Senate’s active role in addressing diverse legal and administrative challenges in Pakistan, reflecting significant debates and procedural complexities within the parliamentary framework.
