President urges provincial consultation on Daanish Schools, calls domestic violence bill vague
National Assembly. PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN
ISLAMABAD:
The joint sitting of Parliament on Thursday passed multiple bills despite presidential objections, opposition protests and sloganeering in the House, in proceedings chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
During the sitting, President Asif Ali Zardari’s objections were raised on the Daanish Schools Authority Bill and the Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Bill, with lawmakers from the opposition insisting that the advice should not be brushed aside.
On the Daanish Schools bill, the President objected that, “The federal government should consult the provinces before establishing the Daanish Schools Authority”.
On the domestic violence bill, the President’s objections included the assessment that “The domestic violence bill is vague,” along with objections to the proposed punishments. The President advised that “The domestic violence bill should be reconsidered instead of being approved in its present form”.
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National Commission for Human Rights
The joint session approved the National Commission for Human Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025, presented by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker Shazia Marri moved an amendment, which the government supported, while amendments moved by JUI lawmakers Senator Kamran Murtaza and Aalia Kamran were rejected.
Daanish Schools bill approved, enacted
The Daanish Schools Authority Bill 2025 was then presented. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) Senator Kamran Murtaza read out the President’s advice in the House and said it was being ignored.
“The President asked for consultation with the provinces on the bills, which is being ignored,” he said, adding that “The federation has encroached upon the limits of the provinces”.
The Speaker proceeded with the approval process despite objections, triggering sloganeering by opposition members. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) lawmakers protested in front of the Speaker’s dais, with Barrister Gohar chanting, “terrorist, terrorist, unacceptable”.
Parliament approved the bill and later passed the Daanish Schools Authority Act 2025, establishing a legal authority to administer Daanish Schools in the Islamabad Capital Territory, with immediate effect and with priority for children from low-income households.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman also arrived in the House to attend the joint session.
Domestic violence bill moves to approval process
The Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Bill 2025 was later presented in the joint session for approval, with JUI members again placing the President’s objections on record. “The President’s objections should not be ignored,” Senator Kamran Murtaza said.
Aalia Kamran said Maulana Fazlur Rehman wanted to speak on the bill, but the Speaker responded, “I will not allow the member who did not move amendments to speak”.
As amendments were rejected, Senator Kamran Murtaza said, “There was no discussion on the President’s objection; there should be discussion on it,” and argued that, “Through this bill, you are destroying the domestic system”.
During the debate, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry said, “Men have also been included for the first time in the domestic violence bill”.
“Poor men never used to be included in such a bill; it’s good that they will also get protection from domestic violence”.
PTI members ended their protest and returned to their seats, though a separate protest by two lawmakers continued over the Tirah operation.
House unanimously adopts Gul Plaza resolution
During the sitting, MQM tabled a resolution on the Gul Plaza fire tragedy in Karachi, jointly presented by government and opposition members and carrying signatures from both sides. The House approved it unanimously.
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said that they had no objection to the bill. She called the Gul Plaza incident serious, and said, “This is not an issue of one city for us, it is an issue of Pakistan,” calling for the federal government to also assist.
The resolution stated that “This House prays for forgiveness for those martyred in Gul Plaza…This House expresses solidarity with the victims of the Gul Plaza fire.” It also demanded improved fire-prevention arrangements and compensation for victims.
During her remarks, Sherry Rehman said, “Pakistan Peoples Party takes full responsibility for Karachi and its citizens”.
“This matter should not be made a political or ethnic issue”.
Gaza “Peace Board” debated
Opposition Leader in the Senate, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, criticised Pakistan’s participation in the Gaza “Peace Board”, saying that Pakistan became a part of the “Peace Board” without consensus and questioning the lack of representation of Palestinians on the board.
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“We do not know what the points of the Peace Board are…we call this Peace Board the Occupation Board.” He said.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman also questioned the decision. “The Prime Minister did not take Parliament and the Cabinet into confidence…If there were changes in the points of the Peace Board, then why did you go?”
In response, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said, “We do not need lessons from anyone on Pakistan’s security…If Pakistan has got centre stage today, it is Pakistan’s diplomatic success”.
The joint session was later adjourned for an indefinite period.
