The federal government has decided to convene a joint session of parliament on January 20, during which key legislation is expected to be introduced, sources said on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has reportedly sent a summary regarding the joint session to President Asif Ali Zardari for approval.

According to the sources, a total of 29 bills are likely to be presented in the joint session. Of these, 11 bills will be government-sponsored, while 18 will be private members’ bills.

The sources added that 24 of these bills had previously been returned by the president, while five bills had been passed by one house but not yet approved by the other.

The sources said the final decision on which bills will be tabled in the joint session rests with the government. Important decisions to advance the legislative process are expected during the session.