Pakistan PM calls for stricter oversight of legislative process

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed serious concern over what he described as inadequate preparation of private bills being introduced in the National Assembly and Senate.

According to a document and information received by Nukta, PM Shehbaz has expressed serious concern over legislative bills being introduced on private members’ day in the National Assembly and Senate.

In this context, the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary, Asad Rehman Gilani, has issued a letter to all federal ministers, secretaries, and parliamentary secretaries on behalf of the prime minister.

The letter directs ministers and officials to review private members’ bills in accordance with the legislative policy and constitutional framework. It emphasizes the need for thorough scrutiny and alignment with government priorities.

In the letter, the Principal Secretary conveyed the premier’s concerns and highlighted the importance of ensuring that legislative priorities align with government policies and the broader national interest.

The letter also calls for a complete review and tracking of private members’ bills introduced in parliament. It instructs federal ministers and secretaries to:

1. Identify the number of bills awaiting introduction or under consideration in parliament.
   
2. Take necessary steps to oppose any legislation deemed objectionable or inconsistent with the government’s legislative policy or the constitutional framework.

The prime minister's directive aims to strengthen coordination and improve the legislative process.

During the previous session, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah raised a complaint with the prime minister regarding the absence of ministers during proceedings in the National Assembly and Senate.

Similarly, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq urged members to seek assistance from the National Assembly Secretariat when drafting bills.

The Law Minister also requested members to consult the Law Ministry on draft legislation before submission, as this would help address potential flaws in the drafts.