NA extends seven ordinances amidst opposition tumult
ISLAMABAD (MNP) – The National Assembly passed a resolution on Friday, amidst ruckus by the opposition, extending seven ordinances for a period of 120 days.
The resolution – moved by Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar – received approval under Article 89 of the Constitution.
The extended ordinances include the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, the Pakistan Postal Services Management Board (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, the National Highway Authority (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, the Privatisation Commission (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, and the Establishment of Telecommunication Appellate Tribunal Ordinance, 2023.
The resolution brought by Tarar received 130 votes in favour, while sixty-three lawmakers, mainly from the PTI-SIC, opposed it, tearing up copies of the agenda.
The opposition labelled the assembly proceedings as “unlawful”.
Speaking on the floor of the House, PTI leader Omar Ayub stated, “We reject the extension of the ordinances.” He criticised the rushed legislation, questioning if it was tantamount to selling off the country.
