ISLAMABAD: After failing to get the controversial anti-terrorism ordinances, including Protection of Pakistan Ordinance, 2013, approved by parliament within the required time-limit, the government has decided to seek extension of the laws for another 120 days from the National Assembly.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan is set to move three resolutions in the National Assembly on Thursday, seeking extension of 120 days for the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013 (VII of 2013), the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013 (VIII of 2013) and the Protection of Pakistan Ordinance, 2013 (IX of 2013).

The minister will move the resolutions under Article 89 of the Constitution. The three resolutions are on top of the assembly agenda.

The ordinances were promulgated by President Mamnoon Hussain in October last year and under the Constitution the government was required to get them passed in the form of bills from parliament within 120 days.

The government decided to defer the bills in the National Assembly on Monday because of strong protests by the opposition. The protests mainly came from the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf and the ruling coalition partner Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam which described the ordinances as draconian which undermined fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

Leader of the Opposition Syed Khursheed Shah of the PPP asked the government to defer the draft for a day or two to forge a consensus.

It is interesting to note that the PPP is opposing the ordinances in the Senate where it has a majority, whereas its protest in the National Assembly is almost invisible.