The joint sitting of the parliament passed a resolution expressing grief and sorrow over the catastrophic fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi.
The resolution moved by Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar extended heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their dear ones and prayed for the recovery of those injured in the fire incident.
Paying tributes to the fire fighters, the resolution demanded the Sindh government to ensure compensation to the bereaved families and immediate recovery of affected businesses.
It also demanded an increase in the number of firefighting stations in the provincial capital, calling upon the federal government to provide necessary support to the Sindh government in this regard.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, the resolution demanded concrete actions so that no such incident occurs again.
Senator Sherry Rehman said her party had no objection and fully supported the resolution, calling the tragedy a national issue rather than one limited to a single city.
The joint session, chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, began 35 minutes late. During the session, several important legislative matters were discussed. Opposition members raised slogans and surrounded the speaker’s dais in protest.
During the session, objections from the President were read out regarding the Danish Schools Authority Bill and the Domestic Violence Bill. It was stated that the federal government should consult the provinces before establishing the Danish Schools Authority. The Domestic Violence Bill was also termed ambiguous, with objections raised over the proposed punishments and calls for the bill to be reconsidered instead of being passed in its current form.
The National Commission for Human Rights (Amendment) Bill was presented by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. PPP member Shazia Marri proposed an amendment, which was supported by the government.
Amendments moved by JUI were rejected, after which Parliament approved the National Commission for Human Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025.
The Danish Schools Authority Bill 2025 was also presented. JUI Senator Kamran Murtaza read out the President’s advice in the House, stressing the need to take provinces into confidence. He said the federation was interfering in provincial domains. Ignoring opposition objections, the speaker initiated the voting process, triggering loud protests and sloganeering by opposition members, including PTI lawmakers who gathered in front of the speaker’s dais.
Despite the chaos and protests, the Danish Schools Authority Bill was approved.
Later, the Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Bill 2025 was presented for approval. JUI members again raised the President’s objections. Amendments proposed by Senator Kamran Murtaza and Alia Kamran were rejected, after which the approval process continued. PTI members eventually ended their protest and returned to their seats, though some members continued protesting over the Tirah operation.
Minister of State Talal Chaudhry said during the debate that men had also been included in the domestic violence law for the first time, ensuring protection for them as well.
During the session, Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas opposed Pakistan’s participation in the so-called Gaza Peace Board, stating that Palestinians were not represented and calling it an “occupation board.” He demanded that Parliament pass a resolution against it.
Finally, the Danish Schools Authority Act 2025 was formally passed. Under the law, a Danish Schools Authority will be established to manage Danish Schools in the Islamabad Capital Territory, with immediate implementation. Priority will be given to providing education to children from low-income families.
Under the act, the Prime Minister will serve as Chairman of the Authority, with the relevant federal minister as Vice Chairman. Senior federal officials, education experts, and private-sector representatives will also be included. The Authority will have powers related to curriculum approval, inspections, cooperation with public and private institutions, and overall administration of Danish Schools.
After completion of the legislative agenda, the joint session of Parliament was adjourned for an indefinite period.