In Pakistan, the Constitution of Pakistan sets out the law making processes that are applicable in the country. The Constitution divides legislative power between the federal government and the provinces, with the National Assembly (the lower house of Parliament) and the Senate (the upper house of Parliament) responsible for making laws at the federal level.
There are several steps involved in the law making process in Pakistan:
Introduction of a Bill: A bill can be introduced in either the National Assembly or the Senate by a member of Parliament (MP).
Consideration by a Standing Committee: The bill is referred to the relevant standing committee for consideration. The committee may hold hearings or seek input from interested parties and can recommend that the bill be passed, amended, or rejected.
First Reading: If the standing committee recommends that the bill be passed, it is scheduled for the first reading in the relevant house of Parliament. At this stage, the bill is read out in full and referred to the standing committee for further consideration.
Second Reading: The standing committee reviews the bill again and may make further recommendations for amendment. The bill is then scheduled for the second reading in the relevant house of Parliament, where it is debated and voted on by the members.
Consideration by the Other House: If the bill is passed by the relevant house of Parliament, it is introduced in the other house and goes through the same process of consideration by a standing committee, followed by the first and second readings.
Consideration by a Joint Sitting of Parliament: If the bill is passed by both houses of Parliament, it is considered by a joint sitting of Parliament, where members from both houses debate and vote on the bill.
Assent by the President: If the bill is passed by a majority of the members present at the joint sitting of Parliament, it is sent to the President for assent. The President has the power to assent to the bill, which makes it a law, or to withhold assent or return the bill to Parliament with any recommendations for amendment. If the President assents to the bill, it becomes law and is published in the official gazette.