A meeting of the federal cabinet has approved amendment to the Federal Investigation Act, 1974 to include cyber, electronic and IT offenses in the Act. A meeting of the federal cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, sources maintained, also discussed in detail unfolding political situation in wake of protest by the opposition parties against the Punjab government over Model Town incident.
The cabinet approved amendment in the Schedule of FIA Act, 1974. After the amendment, certain offences under Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) committed through cyber, electronic means and IT systems would be included in the Schedule of FIA Act, 1974. The cabinet ratified recommendation of Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC) in respect of the Ehtram-e-Ramzan (Amendment) Bill, 2017, which seeks to enhance penalties for violation of Ramzan and closure of cinemas / theaters during the fasting hours.
The cabinet deferred ratification of recommendation of Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC) in respect of amendment in the Loans for Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Purposes Rules, 1973.
The cabinet constituted a committee to review the said rules and propose recommendations within two weeks. The committee is to be chaired by Danial Aziz, Minister for Privatization, with members including Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Minister for Power, and Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister. The federal cabinet also accorded approval for appointment of CEO/ MD of Pakistan LNG Ltd (PLL). The cabinet accorded approval for signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Associated Press of Pakistan Corporation (APPC) and Bahrain News Agency (BNA).