RAWALPINDI – The National Assembly has approved the Protection ofJournalists and Media Professionals Bill, 2021.
The bill paves way for establishing an independent commission for theprotection of journalists and media professionals.
Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari, who had moved the bill on May21 this year, said the bill was okayed by the standing committee on humanrights headed by PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. “I thank the Oppositionfor their cooperation in the passage of the bill,” she said.
An independent commission will be established to inquire into complaintsagainst threats or acts of torture, killing, violent attacks, forceddisappearance and arbitrary arrests.
The reports of the commission would be laid before the parliament throughthe Ministry of Human Rights. It would provide for measures to activelyinvestigate, prosecute and punish acts of violence and any threats tojournalists providing protection of their lives.National Accountability (Amendment) Bill, 2021
The National Assembly also passed the National Accountability (Amendment)Bill, 2021, which provides for an extension in the tenure of the ProsecutorGeneral of NAB.
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The NA also passed the Protection Against Harassment of Women at theWorkplace (Amendment) Bill, 2021 and the National Commission on the Rightsof Child (Amendment) Bill, 2021.
The Minister for Law and Justice also laid National Accountability (SecondAmendment) Ordinance, 2021 (Ordinance No. XXIII of 2021 and the NationalAccountability (Third Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 (Ordinance No. XXVI of2021).
The minister also tabled the Islamabad Capital Territory CharitiesRegistration, Regulation and Facilitation Bill, 2021 and the Covid-19 Bill,2021.
The opposition members twice pointed out to lack of quorum in the House.The House was found in order at the first attempt made by Agha Rafiullah.However, the proceedings were adjourned after another PPP member raised thequestion of lack of quorum.
