46 Bills Passed as 16th National Assembly Concludes Second Parliamentary Year
Islamabad: (News Pulse) The second parliamentary year of the 16th National Assembly concluded on Tuesday, marking significant legislative and oversight activity. During the year, lawmakers passed 46 bills into law, including 40 government bills and six private members’ bills. The House also adopted 27 resolutions.
A total of 159 bills were introduced during the year. Of these, 59 government bills were tabled in the National Assembly, while 14 bills were received from the Senate.
The National Assembly held 11 sittings and three joint sittings, completing 130 working days with a cumulative duration of 237 hours and 36 minutes. As part of its oversight role, members submitted 7,625 questions, of which 1,710 were answered on the floor of the House.
Lawmakers also submitted 329 calling attention notices, with 49 taken up for discussion. Fifteen adjournment motions were moved, 13 of which were rejected. Of the 33 privilege motions, six were referred to standing committees, 18 remain under consideration, six were rejected, and two were withdrawn. Under Rule 259, 263 motions were received; four were included in the Order of the Day and three were debated.
Budget Session and Historic Initiative
During the FY2025–26 budget session, the annual budget was debated in detail. For the first time in parliamentary history, a joint committee comprising members of the finance committees of both houses was formed to conduct a comprehensive review of the Finance Bill. The committee presented its recommendations following extensive deliberations.
Key Legislation
Major legislation during the year included the 27th Constitutional Amendment and amendments to the Pakistan Army Act 1958, among other significant laws.
Proceedings were presided over by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who facilitated dialogue between the government and opposition on issues of national importance. Efforts were also made to strengthen Question Hour to enhance ministerial accountability, including summoning relevant secretaries when responses were not provided.
Strengthening Parliamentary Forums
Parliamentary platforms such as the Women Parliamentary Caucus, Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights, Young Parliamentarians Forum, and the Parliamentary Task Force on Sustainable Development Goals were activated to promote inclusive governance. These forums organized policy dialogues, legislative workshops, public consultations, and international engagements. Provincial caucuses were also established to broaden outreach.
Parliamentary Diplomacy
The Speaker advanced parliamentary diplomacy by participating in a conference in Türkiye in solidarity with Palestine, where Pakistan’s stance was presented. He also undertook official visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan and attended the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva.