Senate approves bills on domestic violence and transgender rights

ISLAMABAD: The Senate has approved two bills concerning protection against domestic violence and the rights of transgender persons.

During the session, the opposition raised the issue of restrictions on prison meetings.

Senator Faisal Javed said that the PTI founder of had not been allowed to meet his family or legal team for several weeks, calling it a serious violation of human rights and jail manuals.

Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani chaired the session.

Speaking on a point of order, Senator Faisal Javed alleged that the PTI founder was being kept in complete solitary confinement for several weeks.

He said that neither his legal team nor his family members were being granted access.

He added that restricting prisoners from meeting their families was a violation of prison regulations and human rights, prompting the opposition to strongly protest in the House.

The Senate passed the bills on domestic violence and transgender rights, which were presented by PPP Senator Sherry Rehman.

JUI-F and PTI members protested upon the approval of the bills.

Sherry Rehman noted that similar laws already exist across all provinces, and this legislation had been delayed for several years before finally being completed.

She said that the government and its allies deserved credit for achieving this milestone after 15 years.

JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza, opposing the bill and terming it un-Islamic, walked out in protest. The session was adjourned until 10:30 am on Friday.