ISLAMABAD, Sept 03 (Alliance News): The National Assembly has postponed the amendment bill aimed at increasing the number of Supreme Court judges.
Prime Minister Nazir Tarar proposed the delay during the session chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
Federal Minister Mossadegh Malik introduced the Green Carpet Initiative, aiming to transform barren land into cultivable areas. Under this project, 800,000 acres of land are set to be developed, with contributions from Punjab and Sindh.
Malik explained that a 296 km canal will be built with Punjab providing the necessary water. However, Pakistan People’s Party leader Naveed Qamar raised concerns about water shortages and the feasibility of corporate farming in this context.
Further debate occurred over the distribution of land and water resources, with Mirghulam Ali Talpur and Syed Hussain Tariq questioning land allocation decisions. Khursheed Shah expressed disappointment over the government’s handling of water resource calculations.
In other legislative developments, Sohail Sultan of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf presented a bill to amend criminal laws, particularly addressing the leniency in penalties for bounced bank checks. Prime Minister Nazir Tarar recommended that the bill be reviewed by the relevant standing committee.
Noor Alam Khan of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) introduced several constitutional amendment bills, including changes to Articles 51, 59, 106, 177, 193, 208, and 198. The proposed amendments cover issues such as overseas Pakistani representation in Parliament, dual citizenship for judges and bureaucrats, and the establishment of a High Court bench in Faisalabad.
Additionally, a bill to repeal the Contempt of Court Ordinance was presented. Noor Alam Khan argued that the ordinance undermines Parliament’s authority and violates human rights, while Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar emphasized the need for laws that respect freedom of expression.
Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar opposed the repeal, suggesting the bill be reintroduced for further review.
The bills were all handed over to the relevant standing committees for further consideration.
