Legislative Process in Pakistan: From Bill to Act
Legislation in Pakistan
The Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament), consisting of the National Assembly, Senate, and President, holds the primary responsibility for legislation in Pakistan.
Types of Bills
There are four main types of bills:
- Government Bills: Introduced by a minister and passed by a simple majority.
- Private Member’s Bills: Introduced by any member of Parliament and passed by a simple majority.
- Constitution Amendment Bills: Require a two-thirds majority vote in both Houses to amend the Constitution.
- Financial Bills: Deal with revenue and expenditure matters, introduced only in the National Assembly, and require the National Assembly’s final approval.
Legislative Procedure: From Bill to Act
Step 1: Introduction of a Bill
Three complete copies of the bill must be submitted to the House secretary with a ten-day written notice.
Step 2: Order of the Day
Government bills can be moved on any day except those designated for Private Member’s Bills. Private Member’s Bills are scheduled on specific days and circulated to all members.
Step 3: Bills Repugnant to Islam
Bills potentially conflicting with Islamic principles are referred to the Council of Islamic Ideology for advice.
Step 4: First Reading
The main principles and headings of the bill are discussed during the first reading.
Step 5: Motion for Consideration
The Member in Charge may present a motion for the House to consider the bill.
Step 6: Committee Referral
Except for Money Bills, the bill is referred to the relevant Standing or Select Committee for recommendations.
Step 7: Committee Recommendations
The committee may recommend considering the bill with amendments or suggest specific provisions.
Step 8: Second Reading
The entire bill is reviewed clause by clause, and the Speaker decides on the admissibility of proposed amendments.
Step 9: Third Reading
Members debate the bill and may propose verbal amendments.
Step 10: Vote
The Speaker puts the motion to a vote after the debate.
Step 11: Transmission to the Other House
Once passed by one House, the bill (except Money Bills) is sent to the other House for a similar process. If the other House proposes amendments, the bill returns to the originating House for reconsideration. Joint sittings resolve disagreements between the Houses.
Step 12: Presidential Assent
The President has ten days to either assent to the bill, making it an Act of Parliament, or return it with recommendations. If returned, the Houses may incorporate the President’s suggestions or re-pass the bill without changes. The President must then assent within ten days; otherwise, the bill automatically becomes law.
Step 13: Publication
The Act is published in the Official Gazette for public information.