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

Press Release Date: 13th May, 2026

A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control was held under the chairmanship of Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman to deliberate on legislative proposals and matters relating to the overall law and order situation in the country. ‎ ‎The meeting was attended by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, Senator Shahadat Awan, Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Senator Abid Sher Ali, and Senator Dilawar Khan, while Senator Jam Saifullah Khan participated virtually via Zoom. Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir attended as a special invitee, whereas Senator Mohsin Aziz attended virtually as mover of an agenda item. ‎ ‎The Committee considered the Islamabad Real Estate (Regulation and Development) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and after detailed deliberations, approved the bill. ‎ ‎The Committee also discussed the Islamabad Capital Territory Waterside Safety Bill, 2024. Concerns were raised regarding the Committee’s mandate to consider the bill after lapse of the stipulated time under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate. It was noted that delays in Senate elections had contributed to the delay in taking up the matter. The Chairman Committee directed that the matter be deferred until the relevant rule position is obtained. ‎ ‎The Committee further considered a bill seeking extension of official/Blue passport facility to Senators for lifetime. The Minister of State for Interior informed the Committee that the Ministry had no objection to granting lifetime official passports to sitting and retired Senators; however, reservations were expressed regarding extension of the facility to children up to the age of 28 due to reported misuse. The Committee raised concerns over issuance of official Blue passports to children of senior civil servants and directed the Ministry to provide a detailed list of active Blue passports issued. The Committee also emphasized strict action against misuse of official passports and unanimously approved the bill for provision of official Blue passports to sitting and retired Senators. ‎ ‎The Criminal Laws (Amendment) (Honour Killing Prevention) Bill was also taken up. On the request of the Ministry of Interior, consideration of the bill was deferred until opinions from the provinces are received. ‎ ‎The Committee discussed the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and observed that weak implementation of laws was adversely affecting food quality assurance standards. It was informed that the subject falls under the domain of another Ministry, upon which the Chairman directed that the bill be referred to the relevant standing committee. ‎ ‎The Sub-Committee presented its report regarding the theft of 2,828 cartons of cigarettes from FBR godowns in Swabi and Mardan. The report highlighted serious irregularities within FBR, including alleged involvement of officials in multiple incidents. Concerns were also raised regarding assets of certain officials reportedly beyond known sources of income. The Committee took serious notice of smuggled Iranian petrol and alleged sale of tax-exempt raw material before reaching designated exempted areas, resulting in significant tax evasion. The Chairman Committee directed FBR to place names of non-cooperating officials on the Exit Control List (ECL) and ordered that arrests be made where necessary. The Sub-Committee was further directed to formulate new Terms of Reference (TORs), and its tenure was extended accordingly. The Committee also condemned the defamation campaign against members of the Committee. ‎ ‎The Committee reviewed the compliance report regarding recommendations on tinted vehicle glasses. The Minister of State for Interior informed members that responses from provinces are still awaited. The Chairman proposed increasing the fee for tinted glass permits from Rs. 15,000 for three years to Rs. 15,000 per year. It was further recommended that serving and former parliamentarians should be granted gratis permits for tinted glasses. ‎ ‎The Committee also took serious notice of reports regarding use of non-custom-paid and tampered vehicles by FBR officers. The Chairman directed submission of complete details, including names of officers using such vehicles, and suggested that officers wishing to retain such vehicles should first pay the applicable customs duties. Provincial authorities were also directed to submit records of non-custom-paid vehicles. ‎ ‎The Committee received a briefing on the murder case of Mr. Amir Awan in Islamabad Capital Territory. The Chairman stressed that bail should not be granted to the accused persons. The Committee also discussed the case of alleged drug peddler Anmol Pinky and directed the Anti-Narcotics Force authorities to interrogate the accused regarding suppliers and recipients of narcotics. ‎ ‎The Committee further directed the Ministry of Interior to provide security to Senator Saifullah Abro either through federal forces or Sindh Police and sought an explanation from the Inspector General of Police Sindh over failure to provide security despite repeated directions. ‎ ‎The Committee also discussed reported abduction cases in Islamabad and reviewed the performance of the Safe City Project. The Minister of State for Interior informed the Committee that despite an increase in crime incidents, overall crime statistics in the federal capital remain comparatively better. The Committee was invited to visit the Safe City Project for a detailed briefing. ‎ ‎The Committee also discussed the establishment of hostels and guest houses in residential sectors of Islamabad and urged Islamabad Traffic Police and relevant authorities to take strict action. The Chairman directed that a detailed report on action taken against illegal hostels and guest houses be submitted in the next meeting. He also directed the Inspector General of Police Sindh to ensure his presence in the upcoming session of the Committee.