Islamabad: The Senate has successfully passed a series of legislative bills and resolutions, including significant amendments to existing laws and a notable commendation of the recent visit by the Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federal Assembly, Ms. Valentina Matviyenko.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, among the approved bills are ‘The Factories Amendment Bill 2023,’ ‘The Guardians and Wards Amendment Bill, 2024,’ ‘The WAPDA University Islamabad Bill, 2024,’ and ‘The Pakistan Animal Science Council Bill, 2023.’ Additionally, the Senate sanctioned ‘The Supreme Court Number of Judges (Amendment) Bill, 2024,’ ‘The Supreme Court Practice and Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2024,’ ‘The Islamabad High Court (Amendment) Bill, 2024,’ ‘The Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2024,’ ‘The Pakistan Air Force (Amendment) Bill, 2024,’ and ‘The Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill, 2024.’
Earlier in the session, three bills were presented for consideration. These are the State-Owned Enterprises Governance and Operations Amendment Bill, 2024, the National Institute of Health (Re-organization) Amendment Bill, 2024, and the Abandoned Properties (Management) Amendment Bill, 2024. These proposals have been referred to the relevant standing committees for further evaluation.
A noteworthy resolution passed by the Senate lauded the recent visit of Russian Speaker Valentina Matviyenko. The resolution, initiated by Rubina Qaim Khani and others, described the visit as a crucial development in strengthening Pakistan-Russia relations. It highlighted the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani and Ms. Matviyenko, marking a pivotal moment in parliamentary diplomacy and ongoing engagement through parliamentary friendship groups.
The resolution expressed intent to support a strategic partnership with Russia, promoting principles of peace, cooperation, and respect. It advocated for collaboration in economic, cultural, and social domains, aiming to boost trade, investment, cultural exchange, and educational and technological partnerships, thereby enhancing bilateral relations and contributing to regional stability and addressing shared global challenges.
The Senate also passed a resolution urging the government to ensure that motorcycle and helmet manufacturers equip their products with safety features meeting international standards. Another resolution recommended that the government direct NADRA to include a separate column for “Majhool-un-nasab” children on ID cards. The session concluded with the prorogation of the House.