Press Release Title: Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Interior Presiding over a Meeting of The Committee at Parliament House Islamabad.

Press Release Date: 27th January, 2026

The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control met today under the chairmanship of Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman to deliberate on a wide-ranging agenda encompassing legislative business, law and order, public safety, governance, and the administrative performance of key institutions.   The Committee considered the Islamabad Metro Bus Service Bill, 2026, introduced by Senator Sarmad Ali during the Senate sitting held on 19 January 2026 and subsequently referred to the Committee for consideration and report. The Committee was informed that the Ministry concerned is also working on a bill on the same subject and proposed that the honourable Senator sit with the Ministry to bring together a consolidated draft acceptable to all stakeholders. Consequently, the Bill was deferred to a future meeting.   The Committee took up a Point of Public Importance raised by Senator Danesh Kumar regarding the non-recovery of Priya Kumari and the unresolved matter concerning the death of Naresh in District Badin, Sindh. The matter was originally raised in the Senate on 5 December 2025.   The Inspector General of Police, Sindh, informed the Committee that the case dates back to 19 August 2021 and has involved extensive investigative efforts. Multiple Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) were constituted, requiring inter-provincial and federal coordination. More than 1,000 suspects were interrogated, and extensive DNA sampling and forensic testing were conducted. According to available information, the girl was reportedly relocated to Bahawalpur, Punjab, and a reward of Rs. 500 million was announced. Nationwide awareness campaigns were also launched to assist in recovery efforts.   The IG Sindh further stated that although the girl remains untraced, the case is active, with fresh leads currently under investigation. It was apprehended that the child may have been sold by an organised gang operating across the country. Coordination with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Punjab Police is ongoing, and a meeting with the affected family is planned.   Assuring full cooperation, the Chairman stated, “Any support required from this Committee will be provided. The case must be expedited and resolved by all means. A progress report is mandatory, and if required, a new investigation team should be constituted.”   The Committee directed the IG Sindh to submit regular progress reports on the case.   The Committee also considered the Criminal Laws (Amendment) (Honour Killing Prevention) Bill, introduced by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri on 19 January 2026.   Senator Zehri highlighted that Alternative Dispute Resolution Councils (ADRCs) and jirga systems represent outdated mechanisms for dispute settlement and emphasized that no individual should be killed on the basis of informal or parallel decision-making processes. As stakeholder comments on the Bill were still awaited, the Committee decided to defer the matter.   The Committee reviewed the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri on 19 May 2025.   During deliberations, Senator Zehri stated that the increasing consumption of caffeinated drinks is contributing to anxiety, sleep disorders, and juvenile diabetes among school-going children.   The Committee was informed that stakeholder feedback on the Bill is still awaited. It was also stated that the issue falls under the mandate of the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), which regulates standards relating to caffeine and sugar content, and the Ministry of Science and Technology.   The Committee decided that in the next meeting, representatives from PSQCA and the Ministry of Science and Technology would be invited for technical input and recommendations, after which final deliberations on the Bill would be undertaken.   The Committee was briefed on the kidnapping for ransom of Shakeel Abbas and Tahir Abbas, residents of Islamabad, who were abducted in Ghotki, Sindh.   The IG Sindh informed the Committee that the victims were honey-trapped and that a ransom amount of Rs. 48 million was paid, which was subsequently recovered. He stated that three local facilitators were arrested, an FIR was registered, and the case was later declared “C-Class” (cancelled), as no criminal intent remained.   The IG further explained that the Katcha areas present operational challenges due to heavy water flow and island-like terrain, making permanent police deployment difficult. He stated that motorway access through Katcha areas has been blocked, resulting in no similar cases during the past one year. Ongoing operations are being supported through the use of drones and armed drones.   Senator Jam Saifullah Khan emphasized the need for accountability, citing the frequent occurrence of crimes in Katcha areas, while Committee members called for a large-scale operation involving military forces. Chairman Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman stated, “We want the Katcha areas to become a normal and integral part of Pakistan, just like any other region.”   The IG Sindh assured the Committee that the area would be cleared and secured.   The Chairman also inquired about the implementation of earlier recommendations regarding security arrangements for Senator Saifullah Abro, who had previously requested enhanced security.   The Director General, NCCIA, informed the Committee that a total of 11 cases involving parliamentarians were pending, out of which only two cases are currently under active investigation, while the remaining cases have been cleared.   Expressing concern, the Chairman stated, “A total of 1.37 lakh complaints were received, yet only a very small number have been resolved.” The Committee sought province-wise data detailing the total number of registered cases, resolved cases, and pending cases. While acknowledging understaffing, the Ministry informed the Committee that operational improvements have been made and that enhanced security features are being introduced.   The Committee reviewed progress on its earlier recommendations regarding tinted vehicle glasses, following its meeting held on 24 April 2025.   Members were informed that the matter is currently under deliberation. Under the proposed framework, 50 percent tinting would be allowed on rear glass, while the front glass must remain transparent. The sale and installation of tinted glasses in Islamabad would remain prohibited, with enforcement linked to Safe City camera facial recognition systems.   The Chairman directed that a comprehensive policy must be finalized before imposing fines, stating that an additional fee may be included to generate revenue and that the purpose must be clearly defined. He further emphasized that female security concerns must be considered while framing the policy.   The Committee granted the Ministry one month to finalize the policy.   The Committee was briefed on arms licenses issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control. Current eligibility criteria include Pakistani citizenship, a minimum age of 25 years, mental and psychological fitness, and good conduct.   Emphasizing financial accountability, the Chairman stated, “Being a taxpayer must be mandatory for issuance of an arms license.” It was disclosed that 32,000 arms licenses were issued to non-tax filers. The Committee recommended the immediate suspension of licenses issued to non-tax filers, directed that no new licenses be issued to non-taxpayers, and called for a clear timeline for implementation.   Several agenda items relating to the Capital Development Authority were deferred due to the continued absence of the Chairman CDA. These included exemption from commercialization charges for PSRD, maintenance and expenditure of Parliament Lodges, and review of the Islamabad Master Plan and development projects planned for the coming year. The Committee expressed serious concern over repeated non-attendance and sought detailed briefings on unregistered and no-NOC housing societies, encroachment of green belts in the Islamabad Capital Territory, and CDA performance during 2024–25, including the total number of employees.   The meeting concluded with strong directions for accountability, legislative clarity, and improved governance, with the Chairman reiterating the Committee’s firm commitment to public safety, transparency, and the rule of law. The meeting was attended by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, Senator Danesh Kumar, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, Senator Talha Mahmood, Senator Sarmad Ali, Senator Umar Farooq, and Senator Shahadat Awan. Minister of State for Interior, Mr. Talal Chaudhry, also attended the meeting.