PM Shehbaz Sharif Assures No Wheat Exports as Controversial Bill Passes in NA
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the National Assembly, stating that the government has not decided to export wheat from the country amidst the passing of the State-Owned Enterprises (Governance and Operations) Bill, 2024.
The bill allows the government to remove board members of State-Owned Enterprises based on recommendations from the board nomination committee. The Senate had already passed this controversial amendment, which will become law once President Asif Ali Zardari gives his assent.
During the session, opposition leader Omar Ayub accused Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi of an alleged wheat import scam. PM Shehbaz defended Naqvi and highlighted the inconsistency in PTI’s handling of wheat exports.
Former speaker Asad Qaiser challenged the PM’s claims about parliamentary decorum and live telecasts. The session also saw the introduction of the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2024, highlighting changes to citizenship requirements.
The National Assembly proceedings ended with the bill being referred to the Standing Committee on Interior before adjournment.
Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2024