ISLAMABAD: National Assembly passed resolution, amidst ruckus by opposition, extending seven ordinances for period of 120 days. Resolution moved by Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar received approval under Article 89 of Constitution.

Extended ordinances include Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, Pakistan Postal Services Management Board (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, National Highway Authority (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, Privatisation Commission (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 and Establishment of Telecommunication Appellate Tribunal Ordinance, 2023.

Resolution brought by Tarar received 130 votes in favour, while sixty-three lawmakers, mainly from PTI-SIC, opposed it, tearing up copies of agenda. Opposition labelled assembly proceedings as “Unlawful”.

Speaking on floor of House, PTI leader Omar Ayub stated, “We reject extension of ordinances.” He criticised rushed legislation, questioning if it was tantamount to selling off country. PTI leader Asad Qaiser condemned hurried introduction of bills and emphasised granting more time to opposition.

Naveed Qamar of PPP expressed reservations about presentation and content of ordinances, asserting, “We will not allow rules to be violated.”

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 16 2024

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