President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday approved seven important bills passed by Parliament, completing the legislative process, according to media reports.
The approved legislation includes the National Tariff Commission Amendment Bill 2026 and the Export Development Fund Amendment Bill 2026, aimed at strengthening trade regulation and export development mechanisms.
Among other measures, the president also gave assent to the Railway Transfer Amendment Bill 2026, the Prevention and Protection of Domestic Violence Bill 2026, and the Danish Schools Authority Bill 2026.
Additionally, the Income Tax Amendment Bill 2026 has been approved for implementation, alongside the National Commission for Human Rights Amendment Bill 2026, which seeks to enhance the functioning of the rights watchdog.
It is worth mentioning here that despite strong protests from the opposition, a joint session of Parliament had passed three bills a few days earlier.
During the last joint session of the Parliament, the President’s objections to the Danish Schools Authority Bill and the Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Bill were presented. The objections stated that the federal government should consult the provinces before establishing the Danish Schools Authority.
The President also raised concerns about the proposed punishments under the Domestic Violence Bill, calling them vague and recommending that the bill be reconsidered rather than approved in its current form.
However, after detail debate on the bill, Parliament passed the Danish Schools Authority Act 2025, under which the Danish Schools Authority will be established to manage and regulate Danish schools.
The Act will apply to the Islamabad Capital Territory and has been declared effective immediately. Priority in the provision of education will be given to children from low-income families.
The Act also outlines provisions regarding the establishment of the Danish Schools Authority. Under these provisions, the Authority will be a statutory legal entity with the power to enter into contracts and initiate legal proceedings. It will have perpetual succession and an official seal. All Danish schools already in existence will also fall under the jurisdiction of the Authority.
The National Commission for Human Rights Amendment Bill was presented in the joint session by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. PPP member Shazia Marri moved an amendment to the bill, which was supported by the government. Amendments proposed by JUI members Senator Kamran Murtaza and Alia Kamran were rejected. The Parliament later approved the National Commission for Human Rights Amendment Bill 2025.
Read more: Bills passed by joint session sent to President for final approval
