Senate approves Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Bill after tied vote

ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Friday passed the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council Bill, 2026, aimed at modernising the regulatory framework for nursing and midwifery education, training and licencing, after a closely contested vote that was decided by the presiding officer.

The legislation, moved by Federal Minister for National Health Services Mustafa Kamal, seeks to consolidate and update laws governing the registration and regulation of nurses, midwives, nursing assistants and midwifery associates.

Lawmakers said that the bill is intended to replace and update earlier legal frameworks, including the 1973 act, to align professional standards with current healthcare requirements.

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The bill was approved after the Senate was split evenly, with 13 votes in favour of passing the legislation and 13 supporting referral to a parliamentary committee.

The presiding officer cast the deciding vote in favour of the bill, breaking the tie and clearing it for passage.

During the session, Mustafa Kamal urged lawmakers to approve the bill immediately, saying it was time-sensitive.

“It should be passed today as the deadline is ending,” he said.

However, Pakistan People’s Party senator Sherry Rehman said that members preferred referring the bill to committee, arguing there was no urgency to rush its approval.

Following the tie, the presiding officer exercised a casting vote in favour of legislation, resulting in its passage by the upper house.

The new law is aimed at improving training standards, strengthening professional competency requirements and enhancing regulatory oversight of nursing and midwifery services in Pakistan’s healthcare system.