Senate to take up FATF bills in joint session today

Pakistan President Dr. Arif Alvi has summoned the joint sitting of parliament today to vote on bills related to Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) obligations.

According to the details, the joint session of the National Assembly and the Senate will take up the Anti-Money Laundering (Second Amendment) bill and Islamabad Capital Territory Waqf Properties Bill to meet the requirements of the FATF for passage.

Last month, the Senate rejected two FATF-related bills. Adviser to the Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Babar Awan also moved a motion on Monday this week, under Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the House to refer two bills to the joint sitting as provided by the Constitution. The motion was adopted by the House.

Furthermore, the joint session is scheduled to meet at the Parliament House at 4 pm today.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan has convened a meeting of combined parliamentary parties of the ruling coalition to discuss the strategy for the important legislation.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the lawmakers to ensure their presence at the meeting to be held at 02:30 pm at the Parliament House.

Senate Rejected Bills

Let it be known that on August 25, the opposition-ruled Senate had rejected the bills earlier adopted by the NA, as two major opposition parties – the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) – declined to support them.

The two parties insisted that the Leader of the House should withdraw his remarks against their leadership and the laid-down procedure concerning the bills be followed.

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However, Dr. Shahzad Waseem, who represents the prime minister in the House, maintained that he had not named anyone and made a general statement that Pakistan had not been put on the grey list during the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) government.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmakers were unshakeable that Dr. Shahzad Waseem should clarify that no political leadership but the Foreign Office had issued a notification against other persons and outfits.

Adviser to the Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Babar Awan had moved the bills for consideration and adoption. However, both were rejected through the voice vote.

Adviser to the Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Babar Awan was of the view that the chair could use its discretionary power for consideration and passage of the bills, keeping in view the national security and interests.