The Senate approved on Friday a resolution permitting political parties to hold “peaceful rallies.”

Awami National Party Senator Hidayatullah Khan emphasised that he aimed to organise a peaceful gathering to pay tribute to ANP leaders rather than a protest.

The session, chaired by PPP Senator Sherry Rehman, featured Senator Shibli Faraz presenting the resolution. He stated that peaceful gatherings should be allowed anywhere in the country, asserting it as the right of all political parties, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

PML-N Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar commented that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the Punjab government, suggesting that the resolution should be linked to constitutional and legal provisions.

Faraz rejected the proposal, saying that the text was prepared by Hidayatullah.

The resolution was passed by a majority vote as the Senate requested proposals on the Income Tax Amendment Bill by Monday.

The Senate also approved bills aimed at preventing the smuggling of expatriates, combating human trafficking, and further amending the Emigration Ordinance 1979.

A report on the protection of journalists, presented by Barrister Syed Ali Zafar, chairman of the information committee, was also discussed. He called for the swift approval of the bill.

Opposition members protested and highlighted a quorum issue, leading to the session being adjourned until Monday due to an incomplete quorum.

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