The 16th National Assembly completed its second parliamentary year with significant legislative and oversight achievements. During this period, lawmakers passed 46 bills into law and strengthened accountability mechanisms across the board.
Strong Legislative Output in Second Year
Lawmakers approved 46 bills during the year. Among them, 40 were government bills while six were private members’ bills. In addition, the House adopted 27 resolutions on key national matters.
A total of 159 bills were introduced in the Assembly. Out of these, 59 government bills were tabled in the lower house. Moreover, 14 bills were received from the Senate. Therefore, legislative activity remained consistent throughout the year.
Active Parliamentary Sessions and Proceedings
The National Assembly held 11 sittings and three joint sessions. These meetings covered 130 working days. Altogether, proceedings lasted 237 hours and 36 minutes.
Members submitted 7,625 questions to ensure government accountability. Of these, 1,710 were answered on the floor of the House. As a result, Question Hour gained renewed institutional strength.
Lawmakers also submitted 329 calling attention notices. However, only 49 were discussed. Furthermore, 15 adjournment motions were moved, but 13 were rejected.
Out of 33 privilege motions, six were referred to standing committees. Meanwhile, 18 remain under consideration. Six were rejected and two were withdrawn. Under Rule 259, members submitted 263 motions. Four were placed on the Order of the Day, and three were debated.
Budget Scrutiny and Key Legislation
The Assembly debated the FY2025–26 budget in detail. For the first time, a joint committee of finance members from both houses reviewed the Finance Bill comprehensively. After careful deliberation, the committee presented recommendations.
Significant legislation included the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Lawmakers also approved amendments to the Pakistan Army Act 1958. Consequently, constitutional and institutional reforms advanced during the year.
Strengthening Oversight and Inclusive Governance
The Assembly reinforced Question Hour procedures. When ministers did not respond, secretaries were summoned to ensure accountability. Therefore, executive oversight improved in practical terms.
Several parliamentary forums also became more active. These included the Women Parliamentary Caucus and the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights. Additionally, the Young Parliamentarians Forum and the Parliamentary Task Force on Sustainable Development Goals expanded engagement.
These platforms organized policy dialogues and legislative workshops. They also conducted public consultations and international engagements. Moreover, provincial caucuses were established to broaden outreach.
Expanding Parliamentary Diplomacy
The Speaker participated in key international forums during the year. He attended a conference in Türkiye in solidarity with Palestine. He also visited Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan on official engagements. Furthermore, he represented Pakistan at the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva.
These diplomatic efforts strengthened parliamentary cooperation. At the same time, they enhanced Pakistan’s presence in global legislative forums.
Overall, the second parliamentary year reflected balanced progress. Lawmakers combined legislative productivity with stronger oversight. Consequently, the National Assembly reinforced its institutional role in governance and accountability.
