The Senate on Monday approved the Islamabad Consumers Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2026, even though the government opposed it. The upper house also passed an amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, and put off the Islamabad Metro Bus Service Bill, 2026.
The consumer protection measure was moved by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri. It won 10 votes in favour and four against, according to proceedings of the session presided over by Senator Shahadat Awan. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry spoke against the bill.
Consumer bill vote sparks sharp exchanges in the House
Zehri accused the government of blocking legislation, saying it had neither done the work itself nor let others do it. “Every bill is opposed,” she said. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry replied that a minister’s stance did not necessarily reflect a personal view.
Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman asked why bills cleared by parliamentary committees met resistance once they reached the floor. He argued that lawmakers should settle such bills in the chamber instead of sending them to committees. Zehri also voiced concern about the postponement of an important bill on honour killings.
Other bills passed, deferred or sent to committee
The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introduced by Senator Sarmad Ali, passed alongside the Iqra Global University Bill, 2026, moved by Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir. The Special Technology Zones Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2022, also moved by Qadir, was passed after being considered.
The House deferred the Imports and Exports (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2023, after Tariq Fazal Chaudhry opposed it. Meanwhile, the Islamabad Motor Vehicles (Regulation of Black Tinted Glasses) Bill, 2026, introduced by Zehri, was referred to the relevant standing committee.
Senator seeks fire safety checks before Sunday bazaar closure
Senator Rubina Khalid raised concerns about the proposed closure of Islamabad’s Sunday bazaar, citing a lack of fire safety arrangements. She asked authorities to clarify whether large shopping malls and plazas in the capital had adequate fire safety measures in place. She noted that residents rely on the bazaar to buy groceries and other essential items.
