ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approved the E-Protection Bill 2023 and the Personal Data Protection Bill in its meeting.
IT Minister Syed Aminul Haq briefed the participants on the two bills, which were part of a 12-point agenda.
During the meeting, the National Hemp (Bhang) Policy was extensively discussed. And a committee under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was forming for further consideration. Leading to the postponement of the hemp policy.
The cabinet also approved an amendment to the rules of the Board of Investment. And we incorporated the Special Investment Facilitation Council into the board.
Moreover, the cabinet approved the inclusion and exclusion of the names of 55 individuals from the Exit Control List. A summary for restructuring accountability courts was also on the meeting’s agenda.
Additionally, the cabinet was expected to approve the restructuring of the board of SNGPL and ratify the decisions of the ECC, CCLC, and other committees.
According to insider information from the cabinet meeting, the government is facing challenges in getting the electoral reforms bill approved by parliament. The PML-N’s ministerial committee has reportedly failed to negotiate with their allies. At the same time, the PPP has agreed to certain amendments to the Elections Act. They have opposed granting extensive powers to the caretaker government.
Opposition leader Raja Riaz has also criticized the government and opposed increasing the powers of the caretaker prime minister.
In response, the government is likely to try to address the concerns of its allied party ministers through a briefing in the cabinet. The prime minister must also address the allies’ concerns regarding the reform bill.
Reportedly, all government ministers have been instructed to ensure their attendance in parliament.
