Islamabad, Today, the National Assembly was briefed on a new initiative aimed at enhancing the literacy rate across Pakistan. Minister for Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui informed the assembly about the program during a response to a calling attention notice, emphasizing the need for engagement from elected representatives and various societal segments.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Minister Siddiqui’s announcement was part of a broader discussion that also saw the passage of a resolution to extend the Apostille Ordinance 2024 for an additional 120 days. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar contributed to the discourse by addressing power theft across the country, detailing a uniform policy to increase load-shedding in areas where power pilferage is prevalent, which is part of efforts to reduce the circular debt.

The session also touched on recent developments in Azad Kashmir, where Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam expressed satisfaction over the resolution of issues concerning power tariffs and wheat flour subsidies that had led to protests. He confirmed that the protestors’ demands had been met and that they had dispersed.

Discussion in the house also included reflections on the President’s recent address to the joint sitting of parliament. Participants in the debate, including Sharmila Faruqui, highlighted the President’s focus on making strategic decisions to resolve the populace’s challenges. Faruqui praised former President Asif Ali Zardari for his role in devolving powers to the parliament.

Other lawmakers, such as Ali Muhammad Khan and Farooq Sattar, spoke about the need for political unity to tackle national problems and called for inclusive growth and stronger local governance to enhance the country’s socio-economic framework.