Much-anticipated joint session of parliament underway 

Islamabad: The most anticipated joint session of Parliament is underway as the ruling government prepares to pass 22 bills.

While addressing the session, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif said that the government and its allies want to bulldoze important bills—terming it ‘illegal’.

Shehbaz Sharif dubs EVMs 'evil and vicious'

The PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif termed electronic voting machines (EVMs) "evil and vicious machines", accusing the PTI-led government of not being sincere in creating consensus on electoral reforms.

Earlier today, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser had written a letter to Shehbaz airing his grievances over the haste in passing the bills without a consensus.

Former Chief Minister of Punjab said, “I received you letter, in response to which I submitted a comprehensive answer” adding that he appreciates the opposition members for not coming under government pressure.

Shehbaz stressed that this is the first time in Pakistan’s history that government is being accused of rigging allegations ahead elections.

“The selected government wants to introduce EVMs because it cannot ask public to vote,” he added.  

While referring to Results Transmission System (RTS), the opposition leader said that PTI government came into power in 2018 using the road transport system.

And now the road transport system is being abandoned for the vicious machine (EVMs), he added.

‘Historic day’; EVMs to bury evil, vicious designs: FM

Calling it a historic day, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that parliament will pass laws to make transparent and clear electoral process. 

“The government does not intend to bulldoze legislation, hence, had consulted opposition members so that their doubts could be merged into the bills,” he said.   

“Opposition didn't pay any attention," he stated. 

Referring to PML-N President’s remarks on EVMs, the federal minister said that calling the machines 'evil and vicious' is your right. 

He said, “The machines are being introduced to bury evil and vicious designs," adding that the ruling government wants to prioritise a credible and transparent electoral process. 

He further added that expats are Pakistan’s asset, thus, the government want their involvement in nation’s policy and decision-making.  

Bilawal condemns 'unilateral electoral reforms'  

Delivering his speech in joint parliamentarian session, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned government's ‘unilateral electoral reforms’, saying such changes have never been implemented in Pakistan history.

“Through todays’ session, the government is trying to bring these reforms in a bid to bulldoze previous reforms,” he said.  

He further added, “In earlier regimes, the government had never unilaterally decided and used the majority to force reforms”.

If PTI had followed the footsteps of its predecessor, then the opposition would have taken part in the legislation process, said Bilawal.

"If they had decided to introduce a Constitutional amendment, then we would have to accept their decision. But they achieved a consensus," he stated, adding that opposition will not accept the next elections if government approves the EVM bill despite several reservations by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

PPP and PML-N endorsed the ballot right for overseas Pakistanis but still PTI is introducing ‘one sided’ legislation, stressed PPP chairperson.

“Overseas Pakistanis had representation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and called for introducing a similar system,” Bilawal noted.

Bilawal questioned that "How can we accept your suggestion where Pakistanis sitting in Paris, California and Britain decide for the people of Karachi and the tribal areas?”

“Expats should have their own electoral college to represent their rights in Pakistan,” he remarked.  

Govt intends to introduce important laws today: FM

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is intended to introduce important laws— ensuring transparency in elections and protect people's rights.

Talking to the media in Parliament House today, the federal minister said that the legislation being carried out today would strengthen democracy and democratic institutions in the country.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan seems confident about becoming successful in getting the bills proposed by the government approved at the joint session.

The premier in his official Instagram account shared a video in which he could be seen speaking about the session tomorrow: "A sportsman is always sure about winning right from the moment he puts his foot in the field."