Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator Syed Shibli Faraz, opened budget debate on Friday with a stark focus on current economic challenges, calling for urgent measures by the government in several vital areas.
Shibli Faraz highlighted the circular debt in the power sector, noting that it continues to burden the country’s economy. He called for implementing structural reforms besides ensuring regular tariff adjustments in order to avert financial shortfalls and improve utility services.
The opposition leader,said that, “more funds should have also been allocated for dam construction in the Budget.” He emphasized the role of new reservoirs in enhancing water security, boosting agricultural output, and supporting long-term economic growth, particularly in water-stressed regions.
On tax reforms, Shibli Faraz voiced for a balanced approach that safeguards taxpayers’ rights.
To combat these challenges, Shibli Faraz recommended the government’s prioritized job creation, particularly for youth and rural populations. He called for adopting targeted public-private partnership initiatives and vocational training programs to spur employment and promote inclusive growth.
Societies Registration Bill
The Senate on Friday passed the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which stipulates that Deeni Madaris already registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or those opting for direct registration with the Directorate General of Religious Education, will be deemed duly registered.
Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, while presenting the bill, informed the Senate that two parallel streams exist for seminary registration: one includes religious seminaries affiliated with the federal government, functioning under a structured system and registered through formal procedures.
According to Statement of Objects and Reasons, Deeni Madaris have been registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. However it is proposed that those Madaris and Wafaqs already registered or desirous to get registered directly with Directorate General of Religious Education, Ministry of Federal Education and Professional training shall be reckoned to have been registered.
Tarar said the second stream emerged after the Army Public School (APS) attack, when the National Action Plan called for reforms to introduce contemporary subjects and government-prepared syllabi in madrassahs to align religious education with modern academic needs.
He said religious boards, including Wafaq-ul-Madaris, agreed to the reforms, and a policy shift later made madrassah registration mandatory, resulting in thousands being registered. Institutions opting to remain under their internal boards could still register under the traditional Societies Registration Act, but must meet standard requirements like clearance from the deputy commissioner and district security committee.
He said, “In the case of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), it has been ensured that registration takes place under the Societies Registration Act through the Directorate of Religious Education.”
He added that although the earlier registration process was discontinued temporarily, both streams now remain functional in many areas. “There may be slight differences in the forms, but the main objective is the same: ensuring students at seminaries receive a verified syllabus that includes modern subjects and access to qualified teachers.”
Multiple Reports
Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control, Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, presented several reports of the committee on various legislative bills in the Upper House on Friday.
The Chairman laid before the House the report of the committee on the National Occupational Health and Safety Bill, 2023, which was introduced by Senator Dr. Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur on November 27, 2023.
Senator Faisal Rehman presented another report on a bill to further amend the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 [The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2024], introduced by Senator Fawzia Arshad on June 10, 2024. The bill proposes the insertion of new sections 344B, 344C, 344D, and 344E into the Code.
Chairman presented another report on a bill to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 [The Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2024], moved by Senator Palwasha Mohammed Zai Khan on September 2, 2024.