KP opposes bill to increase minority seats in assemblies

ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Law and Justice of the National Assembly deferred the consideration of the constitutional amendment bill to increase the seats of minorities in the assemblies until the opinion of the provinces.

The meeting of the Standing Committee on Law and Justice was presided over by Chairman Ch. Mahmood Bashir Virk here at the Parliament House on Tuesday. The committee considered the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Article 51 & 106) moved by Naveed Aamir Jeeva, MNA) and after detailed deliberations, it was also informed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not supportive of the bill, whereas the comments from the rest of the provinces are still awaited. It deferred the issue with the direction that a letter be written to all parliamentary leaders at the National Assembly and Senate, for their comments and views.

The committee considered the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Article 27) (moved by Ms Aliya Kamran, MNA). During deliberations, the mover objected to the committee reconsidering the bill. The chairman of the committee overruled the objection and deferred it for reconsideration. Ms Kamran however submitted her note of dissent for reconsideration of the bill. The committee considered the High Courts (Establishment) (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Article 4, of President’s Order No. 8 of 1970) (moved by Sohail Sultan, MNA). During the deliberations, the mover informed that since the notification for enhancement of the number of judges has already been issued by the ministry, he requested to dispose of the bill. The bill was subsequently disposed of.