As many as 12 bills were introduced in the National Assembly on Tuesday, including the (20th Constitutional Amendment) Bill 2012, seeking creation of new provinces in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The (20th Constitution Amendment) Bill was jointly introduced by MQM members Wasim Akhtar, Sajid Ahmed, Khwaja Sohail Mansoor and Syed Asif Hasnain.

The statement of objects and reasons of the bills says that the overgrowth of population almost in geometrical proportion, increased demand for delivery of social services and the inaccessibility of the Chief Executive, his Cabinet Members and the bureaucracy including the law enforcing agencies, are the factors that have rendered dispensation of justice to the people of the far-flung areas almost impossible.

Besides administrative inconvenience, the cultural and social diversity within the ideological unity also necessitates greater harmony with psychological bias.

While the bill specifically mentions Hazara province, it suggests that people in South Punjab should decide through a referendum if they want one or more provinces.

Another important bill The Political Parties Order (Amendment) Bill 2012, introduced by female lawmakers Bushra Gohar, Nafisa Shah, Tasneem Siddiqui, Asiya Nasir and Dr. Attiya Insyatullah seeks to protect and strengthen women representation in the political and legislative process.

The other main bills introduced in the Lower House by different members are: The National Database and Registration Authority (Amendment)Bill 2012, The Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment)Bill 2012, The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2012, The Passport Amendment) Bill 2012, The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2012, The Reservation of Quota for Residents of Islamabad Capital Territory (Provincial Services) Bill 2012, The Civil Services (Qualification for Appointment as High Court Judges) (Repeal) Bill 2012 and The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2012.