President Zardari approves Pakistan Land Port Authority bill 2025

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill 2025 into law. With this, a new statutory body has been established aimed at streamlining cross-border trade and travel.

With this development, Pakistan becomes the third country in South Asia, after Bangladesh and India, to create a land port authority.

Also read: NA passes Pakistan Land Port Authority bill

The Pakistan Land Port Authority (PLPA) is tasked with improving coordination among border agencies and facilitating the movement of goods and people at key land crossings.

The bill was passed by the National Assembly on August 7, following earlier approval by the relevant standing committee. The legislation was introduced by Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry, on behalf of Minister for Interior Senator Mohsin Naqvi.

According to the National Assembly’s official communication, the bill was discussed and passed without objection to key amendments proposed by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Syed Naveed Qamar. The amendments were accepted and incorporated into the final version of the legislation.

The new authority will also support Pakistan’s commitments under international trade and border management agreements and is expected to enhance the competitiveness of regional trade routes.

Bangladesh established its Land Port Authority in 2002, while India followed in 2012. Pakistan’s PLPA will serve a similar function, aiming to centralise operations and improve efficiency at land border crossings.

EVICTING WIFE CAN LAND YOU IN JAIL; BILL TABLED IN NA

Another legislation, currently tabled in the National Assembly aims to protect women from unfair eviction by their spouses or family members. The bill, called ‘Criminal Law Amendment Bill, 2025, seeks to amend several provisions of the Penal Code to criminalise the act of evicting a woman from her home.

Also read: Evicting wife can land you in jail; bill tabled in NA

The bill was presented by PPP member Sharmila Faruqui. According to the proposed legislation, a husband or any family member who forces a woman out of her residence will face imprisonment ranging from three to six months. In addition to the prison sentence, offenders could also be fined up to Rs 200,000.

ANTI-TERRORISM (AMENDMENT) BILL 2025 APPROVED

President Zardari has also approved the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2025. This new law will strengthen the capacity of security agencies to stop terrorism.

The new law also ensures transparency and accountability, as well as judicial oversight and safeguards. The bill includes a three-year sunset clause, so that the period is limited.

This law is an important step in addressing the security challenges facing Pakistan.