NA session tackles security, NFC, health, and legislation

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly session today (Thursday) saw intense discussion on various national issues, including security operations, the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, medicine shortages, and new legislation.

Former NA speaker Asad Qaiser accused Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry of making a false statement regarding security matters. He questioned the federal government’s treatment of provinces, stating that net hydel profits and tobacco cess were not being paid. He also opposed any new military operation, declaring, “We will not allow any operation in our province.”

Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar responded by saying that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been receiving its share from the divisible pool without interruption. He noted that past negotiations with militants were historical and reiterated the need for unity against terrorism. “We must all commit to a terrorism-free Pakistan and make necessary sacrifices,” he said.

Talal Chaudhry, clarifying Asad Qaiser’s statement on security situation, spoke on the situation regarding pilgrimage routes, particularly after the recent Iran-Israel conflict, which led to security concerns and a ban on land travel. He said talks were ongoing, including a second round in Karachi, to facilitate safe air and land travel for pilgrims.

On parliamentary conduct, Chaudhry said the Assembly’s privileges should be respected. Referring to the protest on Kashmir Istehsal Day (August 5) by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Talal Chaudhry said that gates were managed to control crowds and ensure session continuity. He criticized Asad Qaiser for allegedly passing 54 bills in 10 minutes during his tenure, saying that today’s speaker allows more time for opposition than PTI ever did.

Regarding the May 9 events, Chaudhry condemned the desecration of martyrs’ statues by the PTI supporters and members, and said anti-terror operations would continue under the National Action Plan (NAP).

“No one can stop these actions,” Talal Chaudhry said. He also questioned past decisions about bringing TTP elements back and asked whether those objecting to operations stood with the state or with terrorists.

He also criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for receiving Rs700 billion under NFC but not building a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), adding that terror attacks affect all parties, not just one.

REPORTS AND LEGISLATION

The six-month monitoring report on the Seventh NFC Award (July–December 2022) and the Gender Equality Report 2023 were presented in the House today.

The Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill, 2025 was also introduced by Talal Chaudhry, while Syed Naveed Qamar raised objections and proposed amendments, which were accepted.

Sharmila Farooqi raised an attention notice on the shortage of insulin and cancer drugs. Parliamentary Secretary Dr Nelson Azeem said the disruption was due to war-related supply issues. He noted that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) is responsible and expected the situation to improve. Prices were not increased in July, he added.

Nabil Gabol alleged that medicines were being sold in black markets. He cited a case where a party member was hospitalised after using Ozempic for weight loss. The injection was later found to be manufactured locally in Lahore.

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan informed the House that State Life Insurance has suspended health insurance services in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) and Gilgit-Baltistan due to a halt in federal funding. The service continues for millions in Punjab, KP, and Balochistan.

The session was adjourned until 11:00 AM, Friday, August 8.

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