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Israel’s interception of Gaza flotilla draws global ire as Pakistan demands release of detained activists

  Pakistan and several other  countries  on Thursday condemned Israel’s “dastardly attack” on the  Global Sumud Flotilla  (GSF) after its forces intercepted the flotilla heading to break Israel’s siege of Gaza and deliver aid. Israeli forces  began intercepting  the flotilla’s latest bid to reach Gaza late last night, the fleet said. Israel has so far intercepted 39 boats with foreign activists on board to Gaza, leaving only one vessel still sailing towards the Palestinian enclave, the flotilla organisers said today. The 45-vessel flotilla, with activists and politicians including  Greta Thunberg  on board, left Spain last month to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of famine. Former Pakistani senator  Mushtaq Ahmad Khan  was also on board. Hours after Tel Aviv’s move drew global condemnation, Israeli foreign ministry posted on X that all on board the flotilla were safe would be “deported to Europe”...

National Assembly Passes Contempt of Parliament Bill, 2023, to Safeguard Parliamentary Respect


 In a significant legislative development, the National Assembly (NA) of Pakistan passed the Contempt of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) Bill, 2023 on Tuesday. The bill, aimed at upholding the respect and dignity of the parliament, introduces penalties of up to six months imprisonment or a fine of Rs1 million, or both, for individuals found guilty of insulting the parliament.

Presented by PTI dissident lawmaker Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, the bill garnered majority support during the voting process, as reported by the official Twitter account of the National Assembly of Pakistan. The passage of this bill signifies the commitment of the lawmakers to protect the sanctity and honor of the parliament.

The Contempt of Parliament Bill, 2023 serves as a crucial step towards ensuring the smooth functioning of democratic processes in the country. By criminalizing acts of insult or disrespect towards the parliament, the bill aims to foster a culture of accountability, responsibility, and constructive engagement within the political landscape.

The legislation acknowledges the significance of parliamentary institutions as the cornerstone of democracy and the representation of the people's will. It highlights the need for all individuals, including lawmakers, citizens, and media, to uphold the decorum and integrity of the parliament.

The penalties outlined in the bill aim to deter any attempts to undermine the authority and credibility of the parliament. By imposing both financial and custodial consequences, it aims to promote responsible and respectful discourse while discouraging actions that erode public trust in democratic institutions.

The Contempt of Parliament Bill, 2023 is a manifestation of the continuous efforts to strengthen Pakistan's democratic foundations. It sends a clear message that insulting or demeaning the parliament is unacceptable and will be met with legal consequences.

As the bill becomes law, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including legislators, media professionals, and citizens, to recognize their role in fostering a robust democratic environment. Upholding parliamentary respect not only enhances the functioning of democracy but also safeguards the rights and aspirations of the people.

The passage of the Contempt of Parliament Bill, 2023 is a positive step towards promoting a culture of respect, accountability, and constructive dialogue within Pakistan's political landscape. It sets a precedent for ensuring that the parliament remains a beacon of democratic governance, where the voices and concerns of the people are represented and protected.

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