ISLAMABAD - A private members bill seeking to amend the National Counter Terrorism Authority Act 2013 - The National Counter Terrorism Authority Amendment Bill, 2015 - is set to be taken up by the Senate today (Monday) on a private Member’s day.
The Bill moved by Senator Farhatullah Babar makes it mandatory for the Executive Council of NACTA to meet at any time when necessary and at least once in every quarter and the Board of Governors to meet as and when required and at least once in a year.
Giving reasons, the mover said that ever since the NACTA Act was passed the Board of Governors has not met even once. The BoG headed by the Prime Minister rarely has time to meet.
“The BoG is a policy-making and review body. It is logical that BoG should meet whenever it is necessary and at least once a year.
The existing provision of meeting every quarter is too soon and this is one reason that it has not met even once during the past over one year,” he said.
The Executive Council which is the implementing body should be required to meet at regular intervals. In the existing law there is no mention of how often the Executive Council should meet. This has left a lacuna in the law which must be removed, he added.
The National Assembly will also resume its session today (Monday).
The House will continue discussion on the President's address to the joint sitting of the parliament besides question hour and legislative business.
Calling attention notice regarding excessive use of antibiotics, which is affecting the natural immunity system of the people and causing grave concern among the public is also part of agenda. A bill to further amend the Income Tax Ordinance is also on today's agenda of the National Assembly.
During the National Assembly Monday session, Standing Committee on Communication, Science and Technology, on Petroleum and Natural Resources will present the Periodical Report of their respected committees.