National Assembly passes bill to repeal PIA Corporation Act 2026

The National Assembly session on Thursday witnessed a string of events that saw a lawmaker suspended for repeatedly pointing out the quorum, a clash between legislators over water issue and still the House managed to stamp important legislation, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq first ignored the raising of the quorum issue time and again by MNA Iqbal Afridi, saying “You can’t point out quorum issue after every half hour.”

The MNA did not budge despite speaker’s warning and remained busy in raising the voice over quorum issue by thumping his desk as hard as he can. “This is illegal and unconstitutional, the way you are running the session,” Iqbal Afridi said.

In response, the speaker said “Don’t raise a finger on my reputation as none of my sons has sought political asylum abroad.”

On the speaker’s orders, the number of lawmakers present in the House were counted and after finding the strength as per law he allowed the proceedings to continue.

Later, MNA Farah Naz presented a motion in the House seeking suspension of Iqbal Aridi which was promptly adopted.

Giving his ruling, the NA speaker said Mr Iqbal Afridi will remain suspended for the whole session and he will not also be paid the any kind allowance regarding the current NA session.

Ayad Sadiq again warned Iqbal Afridi to leave the House or there would be a “physical assault” on him.

The MNA heard the warning and left the House immediately.

NA proceedings suspended

At the start of the session, the National Assembly proceedings were suspended after a lack of quorum was pointed out in the House. At the start of the Question Hour, MNA Iqbal Afridi pointed out the lack of quorum.

The speaker then ordered a headcount to verify the quorum. After the count confirmed that the required number of members was not present, he declared that the House was not in order.

The proceedings were subsequently suspended until the quorum was completed.

Before suspending the sitting, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq reminded members of the House’s past practice regarding quorum during budget proceedings.

He said that any political party that points out a lack of quorum during budget speeches or related debates has its allotted speaking time reduced. “According to past practice, any party that points out quorum during the budget debate or speeches has its allocated time deducted,” the speaker said.

There was also a clash between MQM legislators and Agha Rafiullah over the issue of water. Both sides exchange hot words.

Bill to repeal PIA Corporation Act 2026 passed

The National Assembly passed a bill repealing the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Act, 2026, following completion of the national flag-carrier’s privatisation through a competitive bidding process that transferred full operational control to the private sector.

The bill was tabled in the House by Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

Speaking on the floor, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali said the government has completed the privatisation process of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) through an open and competitive bidding mechanism.

He said three bidders participated in the process initiated in December.  He added that the winning consortium is led by Arif Habib Corporation Limited, Fatima Fertiliser Company Limited, Lake City Holdings (Private) Limited, The City School (Private) Limited, AKD Group Holdings (Private) Limited, and Fauji Fertiliser Company Limited.

He said the consortium initially holds 75 per cent shares, while an option to acquire the remaining 25 per cent has also been exercised, resulting in full operational control of the airline being transferred to the private sector.

He said the total private-sector investment is estimated at around Rs180 billion, including Rs55 billion as divestment proceeds to the government and Rs125 billion as fresh equity injection for recapitalisation of PIACL.

On the relocation of the airline’s head office, he clarified that after full privatisation, operational decisions will be taken by the board and shareholders on commercial grounds, and the government will have no legal role in such matters.

He said safeguards for employees were ensured in the agreement, adding that all employees will have job protection for 12 months after the transition, while service conditions will remain unchanged during this period.

He further said pension payments for serving employees will continue under existing arrangements, and retirees will also continue to receive pensions without interruption.

He added that all employee benefits have been protected under the Share Purchase Agreement, which has been approved by the federal cabinet and relevant ministries.

Pakistan Telecom (Amend) Bill, 2025 through

The National Assembly on Thursday passed The Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

The bill was presented in the House by Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja. The House also incorporated amendments proposed by lawmakers.

While speaking in the National Assembly, Shaza Fatima Khawaja briefed members on key changes linked to ongoing legal and regulatory reforms, particularly related to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and right-of-way rules.

She said the amendments address long-standing administrative and operational issues within the PTA, including matters related to salaries and internal procedures.

She further said that changes regarding right-of-way charges, which were previously removed through a prime minister’s executive decision, are now being formally included in law to ensure legal clarity and continuity.

She added that the amendments also address key issues related to the Appellate Tribunal.

Reporter Rozina Ali