Cabinet okays e-protection, data protection bills

The bills also address the pressing issue of online harassment, cyberbullying, and blackmail, effectively ensuring better protection for users.

Additionally, the cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approved the establishment of the National Commission for Personal Data Protection (NCPDP). The NCPDP will function as a civil court, ensuring the security of personal information and providing a platform to address user grievances.

In a bid to boost foreign investment in Pakistan, the cabinet granted assent to the draft amendment bill of the Investment Board Ordinance 2001. This move will empower the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and streamline cooperation with various ministries and provincial governments. The SIFC will play a crucial role in expediting the implementation of foreign investment projects across the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded Minister of State for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik for successfully finalizing the Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) agreement with Azerbaijan. The agreement not only strengthens bilateral trade ties but also ensures Pakistan’s energy security.

Another notable decision was the establishment of a ministerial committee, headed by Federal Minister for Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif, to finalize the contents of the National Cannabis Policy. The committee’s recommendations will be presented in the upcoming federal committee meeting.

The cabinet also addressed judicial matters, approving the reorganization of accountability courts. Under this restructuring, 11 accountability courts will be transformed into seven banking courts, two intellectual tribunals, a special court central, and a special court in Balochistan. Importantly, this reorganization will not incur any additional costs.

Furthermore, the cabinet approved the reorganization of the Board of Directors of Sui Northern Gas Pipeline (SNGPL) and appointed members to the Selection Committee of Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority.

In line with its commitment to address climate change, the cabinet approved the National Adaptation Plan 2023, proposed by the Ministry of Climate Change. Additionally, the Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wild Life Management Act, 2023, was referred to the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases (CCLC) for further deliberation. This move is aimed at protecting wildlife and preserving natural assets in Islamabad.

On matters of security, the cabinet approved the inclusion and removal of names in the Exit Control List (ECL) as recommended by the Ministry of Interior. Moreover, a significant decision was made that if the reason for including a name in the passport control list and the exit control list is the same, the name will be removed from both lists.

With these crucial decisions, the Pakistani government is taking important strides towards safeguarding user data, attracting foreign investment, protecting wildlife, and streamlining the judiciary and security matters for the nation’s benefit.