In Pakistan, the process for passing a bill into law involves several steps and involves both the National Assembly (the lower house of Parliament) and the Senate (the upper house of Parliament).
Introduction of the Bill: A member of Parliament (MP) can introduce a bill in either the National Assembly or the Senate. The bill is then referred to the relevant standing committee for consideration.
Consideration by the Standing Committee: The standing committee reviews the bill and may hold hearings or seek input from interested parties. The committee can then recommend that the bill be passed, amended, or rejected.
First Reading in the National Assembly: If the standing committee recommends that the bill be passed, it is scheduled for the first reading in the National Assembly. At this stage, the bill is read out in full and referred to the relevant standing committee for further consideration.
Second Reading in the National Assembly: 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 National Assembly, where it is debated and voted on by the members. If the bill is passed by a majority of the members present, it moves on to the next stage.
First Reading in the Senate: The bill is then introduced in the Senate 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 the National Assembly and the Senate, it is considered by a joint sitting of Parliament, where members from both houses debate and vote on the bill. If the bill is passed by a majority of the members present, it is sent to the President for assent.
Assent by the President: 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.