STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS VOTED AGAINST THE BILL MOVED BY DR. SHIREEN MEHRUNNISA MAZARI, MNA.

A meeting of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs was held today at Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar, MNA.

2.    According to the agenda, the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP 2018-19) of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the “Ratification of International Treaties Bill, 2013(Private Member, Bill) moved by Dr. Shireen Mehrunnisa Mazari, MNA” were the two main items. The PSDP (2018-19) comprised one item; endorsement of the Committee regarding Feasibility Study (PC-II) costing Rs.100/- million related to the Margall International Convention Centre having facility for holding the big international conferences in Islamabad. The Chairman direction the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to give a comprehensive briefing in the next meeting scheduled for 16-2-2018 which may include the following as well:-

i.    Improving existing infrastructure both at country and international levels;
ii.    Officers accommodation;
iii.    Public diplomacy;
iv.    Specialized campaigns to pursue our national interests;
v.    Discretionary funds;
vi.    Total budget in comparison with that of India, Bangla Desh, Sri Lanka etc.

3.    As per the rule 222 Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, the proposed Private Bill titled “Ratification of International Treaties Bill, 2013(Private Member, Bill) moved by Dr. Shireen Mehrunnisa Mazari, MNA” was presented for voting. The proposed Bill was rejected by the majority, however, one Member abstained.

4.    The Members who attended the meeting are: Sahibzada Muhammad Nazeer Sultan, Mr. Muhammad Khan Daha, Ch. Salman Hanif Khan, Dr. Shireen Mehrunnisa Mazari, Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan, MNAs. Senior Officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Law & Justice and Cabinet Division also attended the meeting.