Joint session approves key legislation, including Anti-Money Laundering (2nd Amendment) Bill

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The joint session of the parliament approved key legislation, including the Anti-Money Laundering (Second Amendment) Bill 2020, on Wednesday. Advisor to PM on Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan moved 'The Islamabad Capital Territory Waqf Properties Bill' and 'The Anti-Money Laundering (Second Amendment) Bill 2020', while 'The Anti-Terrorism (Third Amendment) Bill 2020 was tabled by Faheem Khan. According to the statement of subjects and reasons, “The Islamabad Capital Territory Waqf Properties Bill, 2020” is aimed at proper management, supervision, and administration of evacuee properties in the territorial limits of Islamabad Capital Territory. “The Anti-Money Laundering (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020” is aimed at streamlining the existing anti money laundering law in line with international standards prescribed by FATF. It reflects government's firm resolve to strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering regime. “The Anti-Terrorism (Third Amendment) Bill, 2020” is essential to address the issue of terror financing, one of the major obstacles which is not only playing a degrading role against the development of the country but also imbuing such elements with the financial means which are an ultimate threat to the internal and external peace of the country. It enables the law enforcement authorities to take certain encountering techniques with an authoritative support of the courts of law to curb terror financing. The joint session also passed 'The Surveying and Mapping (Amendment) Bill 2020” and 'The Islamabad High Court (Amendment) Bill 2019'. Major objective of 'The Surveying and Mapping (Amendment) Bill 2020' is to stop and prohibiting printing, displaying, dissemination or using incorrect and unofficial map of Pakistan. 'The Islamabad High Court (Amendment) Bill, 2019' is aimed at increasing the number of judges in IHC from seven to 10, including the Chief Justice to overcome difficulties of the litigant public qua early disposal of long pending cases. Other bills passed by the joint session include 'Pakistan Medical Commission Bill 2019', 'The Medical Tribunal Bill 2019' and 'The ICT Rights of Persons with Disability Bill 2020'. Prime Minister Imran Khan also participated in the session. The opposition raised a hue and cry and challenged the passage of the bill and its counting. Before the joint session, Prime Minister Imran Khan had directed all the members to ensure their attendance. "The FATF bill is not for myself, but for the country. We will pass the bill in the joint session at all costs," he added.