Islamabad: The Senate was informed on Tuesday that the aviation sector is undergoing a comprehensive revamp to unlock its full potential. Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif addressed the House during Question Hour, revealing that the initiative will include the induction of new aircraft. He further disclosed that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is in the process of privatization, with lucrative routes, previously suspended for the national flag carrier, gradually reopening.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Defence Minister mentioned that a team from the United Kingdom is currently in Pakistan to assess the country’s aviation safety standards, with PIA flights to the UK expected to resume soon. Meanwhile, Minister for Housing and Works Riaz Hussain Pirzada informed the House that work on previously stalled housing projects will commence within six months. He expressed regret over past delays and noted that the Pakistan Housing Authority has begun handing over apartments to its members.
Additionally, three bills were laid before the House, including the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Amendment Bill, 2025, the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Amendment Bill, 2025, and the Emigration Amendment Bill, 2025. The Senate passed the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2025, moved by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, who emphasized the bill’s aim to digitize systems to meet modern requirements.
Furthermore, the Senate passed The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Amendment Bill, 2025, introduced by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain. He stated that the bill addresses social media issues and is not targeted against journalists. Efforts were made to engage the opposition through standing committees of both the National Assembly and the Senate.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar explained that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) was permitted to purchase vehicles for its field officers to enhance tax recovery, using its own budget without supplementary grants. The Senate session has now been prorogued.