ISLAMABAD — In a flurry of high-level activity on Monday, January 26, 2026, President Asif Ali Zardari granted presidential assent to seven key legislative bills before embarking on a four-day diplomatic mission to the United Arab Emirates. The signing marks the end of a weeks-long standoff between the Presidency and Parliament over sensitive social and administrative reforms.
The “Controversial Seven”Bills, Now Law
Previously returned by the President in December due to objections, these bills were repassed by a joint sitting of Parliament last week, compelling the Presidency to finalize them.
| Law / Bill (2026) | Key Focus & Impact |
| Domestic Violence (Prevention & Protection) | Criminalizes psychological and economic abuse; provides 3-year jail terms for offenders in ICT. |
| Daanish Schools Authority | Federalizes the school model; despite provincial autonomy concerns (PPP/JUI-F). |
| Human Rights (Amendment) | Aims to restructure the National Commission for Human Rights for “greater transparency.” |
| Income Tax (Amendment) | Introduces new adjustments to meet fiscal targets and international obligations. |
| Export Development Fund | Targets modernization of Pakistan’s trade support infrastructure. |
| National Tariff Commission | Refines trade protection laws and duties on imported goods. |
| Transfer of Railways | Streamlines land management and administrative transfers within the railway sector. |
Breaking the Legislative Deadlock
The most contentious of these, the Domestic Violence Bill, had been stalled since December. Despite being introduced by PPP’s Sharmila Faruqui, President Zardari initially hesitated to sign it following strong pushback from the JUI-F, who labeled the bill’s language as “vague.”
Similarly, the Daanish Schools Bill faced opposition from the PPP’s own ranks, who argued that education is a purely provincial subject under the 18th Amendment. The PML-N reportedly addressed these concerns by clarifying that the federal authority’s role would be limited to the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and coordination.
President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Abu Dhabi on an official visit to the UAE. He was received by UAE Minister of Justice Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi. First Lady Bibi @AseefaBZ & Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi are accompanying him. pic.twitter.com/IPfmsJn6ht
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) January 26, 2026
Diplomatic Mission: Zardari in UAE
Immediately after signing the laws, President Zardari, accompanied by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari and a high-level delegation, left for the UAE (Jan 26–29).
Agenda of the Visit:
- Economic Partnership: Finalizing investment deals discussed during the UAE President’s recent visit to Pakistan.
- Security & Defense: Reviewing bilateral security cooperation in the wake of shifting regional dynamics.
- Gaza Board of Peace (BoP): Following Pakistan’s official entry into the BoP last week, Zardari is expected to discuss humanitarian corridors and stability with the Emirati leadership.
The next steps
- Gazette Notification: The Ministry of Law is expected to issue the formal Gazette notifications for all seven acts by Wednesday.
- UAE Joint Statement: A joint communique from Islamabad and Abu Dhabi is expected on January 29 detailing new investment MOUs.
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