ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed the National Commission for Women Bill, 2011 with certain amendments in its several clauses.

The bill was tabled by Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, while the amendments were moved by both treasury and opposition benches, including Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) leader Zahid Hamid and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Nafeesa Shah.

The fundamental functions of the commission would be to examine policies, programmes and other measures taken by the government for women uplift and gender equality, and to make recommendations to the concerned authorities.

Moreover, the commission would also review all laws affecting the status and rights of women and suggest repeal, amendment or new legislation to eliminate discrimination, safeguard and promote women’s interests, and to achieve gender equality.

The bill was earlier deferred on Wednesday.