(Web Desk) – A unanimous resolution on the Gul Plaza tragedy was passed in a joint session of Parliament with the agreement of both the government and the opposition. Meanwhile, despite strong protests from the opposition and objections raised by the President, several bills were also approved.
The joint session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, began 35 minutes late. During the session, several important legislative matters were discussed. Opposition members raised slogans and surrounded the speaker’s dais in protest.
During the session, objections from the President were read out regarding the Danish Schools Authority Bill and the Domestic Violence Bill. It was stated that the federal government should consult the provinces before establishing the Danish Schools Authority. The Domestic Violence Bill was also termed ambiguous, with objections raised over the proposed punishments and calls for the bill to be reconsidered instead of being passed in its current form.
Human Rights Commission Amendment Bill passed
The National Commission for Human Rights (Amendment) Bill was presented by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. PPP member Shazia Marri proposed an amendment, which was supported by the government.
Amendments moved by JUI were rejected, after which Parliament approved the National Commission for Human Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025.
Danish Schools Authority Bill approved amid protests
The Danish Schools Authority Bill 2025 was also presented. JUI Senator Kamran Murtaza read out the President’s advice in the House, stressing the need to take provinces into confidence. He said the federation was interfering in provincial domains. Ignoring opposition objections, the speaker initiated the voting process, triggering loud protests and sloganeering by opposition members, including PTI lawmakers who gathered in front of the speaker’s dais.
Despite the chaos and protests, the Danish Schools Authority Bill was approved.
Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Bill
Later, the Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Bill 2025 was presented for approval. JUI members again raised the President’s objections. Amendments proposed by Senator Kamran Murtaza and Alia Kamran were rejected, after which the approval process continued. PTI members eventually ended their protest and returned to their seats, though some members continued protesting over the Tirah operation.
Minister of State Talal Chaudhry said during the debate that men had also been included in the domestic violence law for the first time, ensuring protection for them as well.
Unanimous resolution on Gul Plaza tragedy
MQM parliamentary leader Dr Farooq Sattar presented a jointly signed resolution by the government and opposition on the Gul Plaza incident. Senator Sherry Rehman said her party had no objection and fully supported the resolution, calling the tragedy a national issue rather than one limited to a single city. The resolution offered prayers for the deceased, expressed solidarity with the victims, demanded improved fire safety measures, and called for compensation for affected families. The resolution was unanimously passed.
Debate on Gaza peace board
During the session, Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas opposed Pakistan’s participation in the so-called Gaza Peace Board, stating that Palestinians were not represented and calling it an “occupation board.” He demanded that Parliament pass a resolution against it.
Danish Schools Authority Act 2025
Finally, the Danish Schools Authority Act 2025 was formally passed. Under the law, a Danish Schools Authority will be established to manage Danish Schools in the Islamabad Capital Territory, with immediate implementation. Priority will be given to providing education to children from low-income families.
Under the act, the Prime Minister will serve as Chairman of the Authority, with the relevant federal minister as Vice Chairman. Senior federal officials, education experts, and private-sector representatives will also be included. The Authority will have powers related to curriculum approval, inspections, cooperation with public and private institutions, and overall administration of Danish Schools.
After completion of the legislative agenda, the joint session of Parliament was adjourned for an indefinite period.
