Beyond lawmaking

2026-02-19 - 00:13

THE second parliamentary year of the 16th National Assembly saw the passage of 46 bills, a commendable achievement that highlights the parliament’s core responsibility to legislate. This is a significant step in fulfilling the legislative duties of the country’s elected representatives. However, passing laws is only one part of the equation. The real test lies in their implementation. Legislation, no matter how well-intended, holds little value if it is not enforced effectively. The true purpose of any law is to improve the lives of the people, ensuring that their basic rights are protected, their needs are met and their daily struggles are addressed. Without a clear and actionable framework for the enforcement of laws, legislation risks becoming mere formalities, symbolic measures that hold little weight in reality. For legislation to be meaningful, it must go beyond serving political or personal interests and focus on the collective welfare of the public. Laws should be designed to promote social justice, equality and the well-being of citizens, ensuring that their impact is felt in tangible ways. The Question Hour and the summoning of secretaries in the National Assembly are positive efforts to ensure accountability, but these actions must result in meaningful change, translating into better governance and real improvements for ordinary citizens. The process of crafting laws must also be inclusive and transparent, ensuring that all voices, particularly those from marginalized or underrepresented groups, are heard. Legislation should not just reflect the desires of the powerful or the ruling elite; it must be shaped by the needs and aspirations of the public. This is where parliamentary committees play a critical role. These committees should act as a forum for deep, thoughtful debates on proposed laws. They are essential for scrutinizing government actions and refining legislative proposals, yet their effectiveness has often been compromised by the lack of active participation from all political parties. The absence of PTI from these committees has particularly hindered their ability to function in a truly collaborative and constructive manner. For parliament to be effective, all political parties, including those in opposition, must engage fully in the committee process. It is within these committees that laws are refined, adjusted and improved and it is where true checks and balances are exercised. PTI must reconsider its stance and return to parliamentary committees, playing an active role in shaping the legislative agenda.