ISLAMABAD: The Senate has successfully passed a resolution commending the recent visit of the Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federal Assembly, Ms. Valentina Matviyenko. In addition, the Senate has passed several bills, marking significant legislative progress.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Senate approved four bills: The Factories Amendment Bill 2023, The Guardians and Wards Amendment Bill 2024, The WAPDA University Islamabad Bill 2024, and the Pakistan Animal Science Council Bill 2023. In addition to these, the Senate passed The Supreme Court Number of Judges (Amendment) Bill 2024, The Supreme Court Practice and Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2024, The Islamabad High Court (Amendment) Bill 2024, The Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2024, The Pakistan Air Force (Amendment) Bill 2024, and The Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill 2024.

Earlier during the session, three bills were laid before the Senate, which included the State-Owned Enterprises Governance and Operations Amendment Bill 2024, the Nati
onal Institute of Health (Re-organization) Amendment Bill 2024, and the Abandoned Properties (Management) Amendment Bill 2024. These bills were subsequently referred to the standing committees concerned for further consideration.

The Senate’s resolution regarding Ms. Valentina Matviyenko’s visit was moved by Rubina Qaim Khani and others, highlighting the visit as a milestone in advancing bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia. It reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation across sectors, acknowledging the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani and Ms. Matviyenko. This MoU marks a significant step in parliamentary diplomacy and sustained engagement through parliamentary friendship groups.

The resolution called for active support of a strategic partnership with Russia, as outlined in the MoU, promoting principles of peace, cooperation, and respect. It emphasized collaboration across economic, cultural, and social domains to expand trade, i
nvestment, and cultural exchanges, as well as foster educational and technological partnerships. These efforts aim to enhance Pakistan-Russia relations, contributing to mutual growth and regional stability.

In addition to these developments, the Senate passed a resolution recommending the government ensure that manufacturers of motorcycles and helmets equip their products with safety features at par with international standards. Another resolution recommended that the government direct NADRA to include a separate column for ‘Majhool-un-nasab’ children on ID cards.

The House has now been prorogued.