ISLAMABAD: The current National Assembly passed more laws in its first year than its predecessor, despite meeting for fewer hours, a clear indication that legislation was rushed through parliament.
Some of the laws passed during the first year of the 16th National Assembly have far-reaching implications, like the 26th Constitutional Amendment and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025.
In its annual analysis of the legislature, the Pakistan Institute for Legislative Development and Transparency (Pildat) noted that the 16th NA was convened for fewer working days and hours compared to the previous one.
Since the inaugural session on February 29, 2024, 93 sittings were convened with 212 working hours.
Pildat analysis shows bills were rushed through lower house without much discussion; PM attended only 17 out of 93 sessions
The 15th National Assembly, in its first year, held 96 sittings and met for 297 hours.
Despite a considerable reduction in working hours, the 16th NA passed 47 bills in its first year, up by 370pc compared to the 10 bills passed during the first year of the 15th NA.
Several laws were “hurried for passage” without review by MNAs and without being referred to relevant standing committees, Pildat noted.
The existing government relied heavily on presidential ordinances for legislation, as 16 ordinances were laid in the NA for approval, compared to seven in the 15th and 12 in the 14th NA.
This reflected a “growing trend toward executive-driven legislation”.
Attendance
Pildat also found that the trend of scant attendance by prime ministers remained consistent in the new government as well.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended only 18 per cent of the total sittings — 17 out of the total 93 sittings.
His predecessor, Imran Khan, attended only 18 out of 96 sittings in the first year of the 15th National Assembly.
