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Chairman Standing Committee of National Assembly on Law and Justice Mahmood Bashir Virk presides over the committee meeting at the Parliament House, Islamabad. — na.gov.pk/File
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ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Law and Justice, while discussing the “Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025” (Article 140-A), was transferred by MNA Judge Hanif Khan, who considered the proposal to give local governments effective powers.
Although the members in principle supported the intention of the bill, the committee recommended issuing a new reminder through the Ministry of Law and Justice and Committee to request political leaders to submit their opinion, and to enable further progress on the matter. The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to ensure the meaningful deviation of the political, administrative and financial authority, which is to make local government institutions more effective and effective according to the aspirations of the people of Pakistan.
The committee meeting was held on Monday, headed by Mahmud Bashir Work, at the Parliamentary Lodge’s Old Pips Hall. In consideration, Moor emphasized that although the 18th Amendment aims to change powers at the lower levels, the absence of a practical local government system is a hindrance to the achievement.
The members agreed that although the goals of the bill are commendable, its success depends on the political will and consensus on the party letters. The committee was told that all parliamentary leaders had received no response, despite the first formal request to input the proposed amendment. As a result, the committee decided to issue a new call to make the ministry and the committee vote to facilitate the progress of the legislation.
The committee also considered several other bills. The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Articles 175-A and 215), which has been transferred by Assad Qaiser, seeks to ensure the appointment of High Court judges based on merit through a competitive exam system. The purpose is to promote merit capacity in judicial appointments and prevent kindness. In addition, the bill suggests that the Chief Election Commissioner’s term be limited to one year. After the completion of this period, a member of the Election Commission from each province will be appointed as the next Chief Election Commissioner.
The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Article 59), which has been transferred by Naveed Arif, aims to increase the representation of non -Muslim communities in the Senate. The Constitution (Amendment) bill, 2024 (Articles 51 and 106), proposes a growing representation for minorities in the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies, transferred by Naveed Aamir.
The committee noted with the concern that despite repeated participation in the agenda, the minority’s bills failed to attend the meetings permanently. For this reason, the committee unanimously recommended that these bills should not be approved by the Assembly. The committee also took the “Code of Conduct (Amendment) Bill, 2024” (Section 54-A), transferred by Sofia Saeed Shah. However, the debate was postponed due to mover disease.
In consideration, it was also remembered that the Ministry of Law and Justice had earlier made a promise to distribute the draft amendments to the Land Revenue Act. The ministry blamed a short notice as a delay, but assured the committee that the draft would be provided before the next meeting.
Finally, the committee condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, especially the tragic incident of the school bus, and the loss of innocent lives. The committee expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
