The ruling coalition successfully passed three major bills at a joint sitting of Parliament despite strong opposition protests and heated debate over the domestic violence law.
The National Commission for Human Rights Act 2025, the Danish Schools Authority Bill, and the Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Bill were all approved after being reintroduced to address objections previously raised by the president. The government secured majority support for all three bills, marking a significant legislative win.
NCHR Act 2025 Approved
The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs tabled the National Commission for Human Rights Act 2025 after addressing objections by President Asif Ali Zardari. Parliament approved the bill clause by clause. An amendment proposed by the PPP was accepted, while a Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl proposal was rejected.
Danish Schools Authority Bill Passed
Amendments to clauses 3 and 4 of the Danish Schools Authority Bill were also approved. Under the amendments, provincial authorities must now approve the establishment of Danish Schools. Opposition members protested loudly in the chamber, but the bill was passed with a majority vote.
Domestic Violence Bill Sparks Debate
The Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Bill generated the most controversy. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry supported an amendment by PPP’s Sharmila Farooqi to include men under the law. JUI-F MNA Aaliya Kamran proposed amendments, supported by her husband, Senator Kamran Murtaza, but these were rejected by Parliament.
During the session, opposition members held banners in front of the speaker’s dais to protest law and order issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq asked them to allow proceedings to continue. Heated exchanges occurred between the Speaker, Talal Chaudhry, and Kamran Murtaza over family systems and property rights.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman strongly opposed the bills, claiming violations of religious principles. He warned he could mobilize street protests against the government, similar to actions taken during the Musharraf era.
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Despite opposition protests, Parliament passed all three bills, and the joint sitting was adjourned indefinitely.
