ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly (NA) approved the Elections Act Amendment Bill, 2026, on Wednesday, while also forwarding bills related to education and constitutional amendments to respective standing committees.
The Fatima University for Science and Technology Bill, 2026, which was passed by the Senate, was also presented for approval in the House, with MNA Natasha Doltana tabling the bill.
During the session, JUI-F’s Alia Kamran recommended that the bill undergo review by a standing committee. The Elections Amendment Bill was passed with a majority vote, with PPP’s Shazia Marri introducing the legislation and Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar endorsing it. PTI’s Barrister Gohar opposed the proposal.
Key provisions of the bill include requiring MPs and their families to declare assets, which would need approval from the NA speaker or Senate chairman. The bill seeks to amend section 138 of the Election Act, 2017, mandating the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to publish lawmakers’ assets and liabilities in the official gazette. Additionally, the bill stipulates that allegations of floor crossing against an MNA will be referred to the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) instead of the Supreme Court. Barrister Gohar expressed concerns that this could lead to jurisdictional disputes.
The assembly also reviewed the Criminal Law Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced by MNA Mirza Ikhtiar Beg, and a Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2026, which has been referred to a standing committee for further examination.
In a separate discussion, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain clarified that food safety and market regulation are provincial responsibilities following the 18th Constitutional Amendment. Responding to queries, he explained that provincial authorities, notably Punjab’s food safety department, oversee inspections of restaurants and food outlets. He emphasized that poultry prices are also under provincial control, urging lawmakers to address price concerns at the provincial level.
The minister highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance Pakistan’s meat export capacity by tackling animal health issues like foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). He stated that Punjab has established 15 FMD-free zones, expected to be fully compliant within three years, improving access to international markets. A Rs7.3 billion project under the Public Sector Development Programme aims to bolster disease surveillance, livestock treatment, and meat supply, with around 45% of domestic meat consumption.
Discussing export challenges stemming from border closures with Afghanistan, Rana Tanveer Hussain noted that alternative routes, including Iran, have been utilized. Despite disruptions affecting kinnow and potato exports, approximately $5 million worth of shipments have been successfully rerouted. He assured that poultry exports remain unaffected and that the government is actively monitoring export sectors, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasizing the importance of expanding exports for sustained economic growth.
The session also included a prayer for the late brothers of MNA Muhammad Tufail and Raja Nadir Pervaiz, led by Maulana Misbah Uddin. Additionally, students and faculty of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) observed the proceedings.
