The ruling coalition successfully pushed through major legislation at a joint sitting of parliament, approving three key bills despite opposition protests, loud objections and heated exchanges over the domestic violence law.
At the joint session, parliament passed the National Commission for Human Rights Act, the Danish Schools Authority Bill, and the Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Bill. All three bills had earlier been returned by the president and were reintroduced after addressing objections.
The government secured majority support on all agenda items, marking a significant legislative win for the ruling alliance.
NCHR Act 2025 approved
The minister for parliamentary affairs first tabled the National Commission for Human Rights Act 2025 after removing objections raised by President Asif Ali Zardari. The House approved the bill clause by clause before passing it by a majority vote.
An amendment proposed by the PPP was approved, while an amendment moved by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl was rejected.
Danish Schools Authority Bill amended, passed
The parliamentary affairs minister then presented amendments to clauses 3 and 4 of the Danish Schools Authority Bill, which were approved by a majority despite opposition commotion. Under the approved amendments, the establishment of Danish Schools will now require approval from the relevant provincial authorities.
The House passed the bill even as opposition members continued to protest inside the chamber.
Domestic violence bill sparks debate
The Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Bill was taken up last and proved the most contentious. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry supported an amendment proposed by PPP's Sharmila Farooqi, saying it was appropriate to include men under the law, as many silently endure domestic abuse.
JUI-F MNA Aaliya Kamran proposed amendments to the bill, supported by her husband, Senator Kamran Murtaza. However, the House rejected Aaliya Kamran’s amendments and passed the bill with Farooqi’s changes included.
Opp protest at speaker’s dais
During the session, two opposition members stood silently in front of the speaker’s dais holding banners over the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq asked them to allow the House to complete legislation, suggesting they stage their protest later.
Despite the protest and sloganeering, the House continued proceedings and completed the legislative agenda.
Heated exchanges, remarks
An exchange of sharp and, at times, humorous remarks took place between Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Talal Chaudhry and Kamran Murtaza during discussion on the domestic violence bill. Murtaza argued the law would harm the family system, while objections related to property rights were also raised and rejected.
Chaudhry remarked that for the first time men had been included in domestic violence legislation, adding that “many men don’t even speak up despite facing abuse.”
Maulana Fazlur Rehman voices strong opp
Maulana Fazlur Rehman strongly opposed the government’s legislation, saying religious principles were being violated, particularly regarding underage marriages. He warned he would openly oppose and defy the laws and claimed he would personally conduct and attend marriages of 14- and 16-year-olds.
He said the government was undermining democracy and questioned the justification for accepting 20 points in the legislation. He warned that just as he had mobilized against the late former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf, he could also take to the streets against the current government, demanding that the prime minister take parliament and the cabinet into confidence.
After the approval of all three bills, the joint sitting of parliament was adjourned for an indefinite period.
