Ordinances Extended
The NA approved extensions for ordinances related to the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, National Shipping Corporation, Postal Services, National Highway Authority, Criminal Law, Privatization Commission, and establishment of a Telecommunication Appellate Tribunal.
Opposition Outcry
The SIC leader, Omar Ayub Khan, vehemently opposed the extensions, questioning transparency and accusing the government of attempting to “sell Pakistan” through these ordinances. He demanded that lawmakers be shown the ordinances and criticized PML-N members for blindly supporting them.
Voting Results
Despite opposition protests, the resolution passed with 130 votes in favor and 63 against.
Law Minister Responds
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar countered the opposition’s claims, suggesting they read the ordinances before judgment. He accused them of treason and urged them to prioritize the country’s interests.
Further Developments:
The Pakistan National Assembly’s speaker, Ayaz Sadiq, threatened disciplinary action if SIC members continued tearing documents in protest. The law minister assured that the government would consult allied parties and keep the house informed about the legislation. Five new female MNAs were sworn in, bringing the total number to 316. The NA session was subsequently prorogued indefinitely.