Parliament Passes Key Bills in Joint Session Amid Protests and Heated Debate

The ruling coalition secured a major legislative victory at a joint sitting of parliament by passing three key bills despite strong opposition protests, loud objections, and heated exchanges, particularly over the domestic violence law. The National Commission for Human Rights Act, the Danish Schools Authority Bill, and the Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Bill were all approved after being reintroduced with changes addressing objections earlier raised by the president.

The National Commission for Human Rights Act two thousand twenty five was tabled after presidential objections were removed and was passed clause by clause with majority support. An amendment proposed by the Pakistan Peoples Party was approved, while an amendment moved by Jamiat Ulema e Islam Fazl was rejected. The Danish Schools Authority Bill was also passed after amendments to clauses three and four, making provincial approval mandatory for the establishment of Danish Schools, despite continued opposition protests inside the House.

The most contentious debate centered on the Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Bill. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry supported a PPP-backed amendment to include men under the law, arguing that many men silently face domestic abuse. Amendments proposed by JUI-F’s Aaliya Kamran were rejected, and the bill was passed with the PPP amendment included. During the session, opposition members staged a silent protest near the speaker’s dais, while sharp exchanges took place between Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Talal Chaudhry, and Senator Kamran Murtaza.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman strongly opposed the legislation, alleging it violated religious principles and warning of street protests against the government. He accused the ruling coalition of undermining democracy and said the prime minister should take parliament and the cabinet into confidence. Following the passage of all three bills, the joint sitting of parliament was adjourned for an indefinite period.