Government and PPP agree on legislation under IMF conditions

ISLAMABAD: The government and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have agreed on key legislation under IMF conditions. Talks were held in the Speaker’s chamber at Parliament House. The bills on the legislation will be presented in the current sessions of the National Assembly and the Senate.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq chaired an important consultative meeting on legislation under IMF conditions and proposed amendments to various laws. Federal ministers and key leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) attended.

The meeting reviewed proposals on financial matters, changes in taxes and duties, privatisation of state-owned institutions, and legislation related to various sectors.

According to sources, the meeting discussed how the proposed legal amendments and various bills related to IMF conditions should be passed by the National Assembly and the Senate. Changes to some laws on financial matters were considered, along with conditions related to changes in taxes and duties.

Legislation under consideration

Sources said the meeting also considered proposals to amend laws related to the state-owned institutions that are to be handed over to the private sector. The proposed legislation and the approval of the related bills by both houses of Parliament were discussed.

The meeting also held consultations on approving some bills in the light of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Mustafa Impex case.

According to sources, some bills related to the petroleum and food sectors are also likely to be presented. Their legal and parliamentary aspects were reviewed. Sources said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is likely not to oppose such bills.