Islamabad, 17 May 2023, (GNP): National Assembly passed the Contempt of Parliament (Majlis-e-Shoora) Bill 2023 on Tuesday.
The bill was presented by MNA Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon during the National Assembly Session.
According to the Bill, individuals including the government officials as well as the general public can face imprisonment of 2 to 6 years and a fine of one million rupees if found guilty of contempt.
MNA Qasim Noon, expressed his views about the bill in the National Assembly Session saying, “It has been 50 years since the constitution was made, but unfortunately there was no formal law regarding contempt of parliament.”
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“By passing the Contempt of Majlis Shura (Parliament) Bill, 2023, the Parliament will be strengthened and the Standing Committees of the Parliament will be able to function much better. ” He also added that the Bill has been worked upon since last four years.
Under the provision of the Bill, in any instances of contempt, the Speaker or Chairman of Senate may refer the contempt instance to the Contempt Committee. The Committee would consist of 24-members, equally representing each house.
The Committee’s chairman is authorized to summon individuals to testify before the Committee and present pertinent documents.
Additionally, in any case if an individual fails to obey the summons, the chairman, with the approval of the speaker or chairman of the Senate, can issue a warrant for their appearance.
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The Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Rana Tanveer Hussain expressed his support for the bill and stated that it would enhance the parliament’s capacity for “oversight role”.
However, Raja Shaheryar Javed Khan, a retired Pakistan Army Infantry Officer said “respect is earned”.
“Leaders who prioritize the well-being of their country and serve democratically, do not need a law to protect them from insults. The proposal of a Contempt of Parliament bill only demonstrates the lack of intelligence of those who advocate for it.”