The joint session of Parliament on Friday ended abruptly as opposition members staged protests against the recently passed amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025.
A live broadcast by Pakistan Television Network captured the chaotic proceedings, with lawmakers presenting bills while National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq wore headphones to block out the noise from the protests. Tensions escalated further when Speaker Sadiq denied Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub’s request to address the House.
Despite the uproar, several key bills were approved during the session:
- Trade Organizations (Amendment) Bill 2021: Presented by Federal Minister Jam Kamal, passed by majority vote.
- Imports and Exports (Amendment) Bill 2023: Also tabled by Jam Kamal, received parliamentary approval.
- National Technology Organization Establishment Bill 2024: Proposed by Member of Assembly Zahra Wadood Fatima, approved by the majority.
In a separate development, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the Nigehbaan Ramzan Package during the session.
While the opposition continued to voice objections, the government pressed ahead with its legislative agenda, leaving a stark divide in the House.
