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: 20th May, 2026

Senate Committee Calls for Stronger Action on Honour Crimes, Drug Trafficking and Public Harassment   The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior & Narcotics was held today at Parliament House, Islamabad, under the chairmanship of Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman.   The meeting was attended by Senators Shahadat Awan, Saifullah Abro, Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, Muhammad Talha Mahmood, Mir Dostain Khan Domki, Dilawar Khan, Abid Sher Ali, Sarmad Ali, and Manzoor Ahmed Kakar. Senators Nasir Butt and Abdul Qadir attended the meeting as Special Invitees.   The Committee discussed the Islamabad Metro Bus Service Bill, 2026, moved by Senator Sarmad Ali. Senator Sarmad Ali informed the Committee that the proposal for the establishment of a Mass Transit Authority under the Capital Development Authority (CDA) had previously been discussed. He expressed concern that despite earlier directions of the Committee, the CDA and the Ministry of Law had not meaningfully engaged with him regarding the proposed legislation.   Officials from the CDA stated that the CDA itself is already an authority and that establishing another authority within its existing structure may not be feasible. Senator Sarmad Ali responded that the bill was aimed at facilitating the general public, particularly by providing fare exemptions for children under 12 years of age and senior citizens. The Secretary Interior informed the Committee that the Chairman and Board Members of the CDA had recently been changed and requested additional time for consultation, while appreciating the proposed amendments in the bill.   The Committee unanimously passed the Islamabad Metro Bus Service Bill, 2026, observing that the matter had already been discussed in several previous meetings.   The Committee also considered the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The bill, which was supported by the Government benches, Ministry of Interior, and the Law Division, was unanimously passed by the Committee.   During discussion on the Criminal Laws (Honour Killing Prevention) Bill, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri emphasized that individuals involved in jirga systems, including those recommending punishments to innocent people in the name of honour, should also be held accountable under the law. She highlighted loopholes in the existing legal framework, particularly regarding forced compromises and coercive compensation imposed on victims and their families. Senator Samina stated that incidents of honour-based violence were increasing and stressed the need for stronger legal protections.   Representatives of the Law Ministry observed that certain proposed amendments could curtail judicial authority and may raise concerns regarding human rights provisions. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri questioned the legitimacy of allowing individuals to take lives in cases where marriages were conducted with mutual consent. Senator Abid Sher Ali emphasized the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order within their jurisdictions.   The Ministry of Interior, governments of Balochistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, has already favored the proposed amendments. In lights of all facts and figures the Committee unanimously passed the bill.   Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar raised concerns regarding NADRA policies affecting Pakhtoon clans, particularly the Salman Khel tribe residing in Balochistan and different parts of the coutnry. He stated that these communities have a longstanding history in the region, including participation in the 1857 War of Independence and contributions toward the Kashmir cause, for which they had received state recognition and medals.   He alleged that under current verification procedures, if the CNIC of one family member is rejected by NADRA, the individual is often detained and deported to Afghanistan. Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar further alleged that affected individuals are subjected to harassment and demands for bribes in order to regularize their nationality status.   The Committee was informed that a focal person from the Salman Khel tribe had been nominated to certify whether individuals are Pakistani or Afghan nationals in Rawalpindi District. Committee members raised objections regarding the legal authority of a private individual to verify citizenship status. The Chairman directed that no private person, other than a duly authorized government official, should be allowed to verify nationality and emphasized that the public should not be harassed unnecessarily.   The Committee also discussed the arrest of 14 Pakhtoon laborers on May 1 (Labor Day). A labor representative informed the Committee that the workers, who were residing at his private residence, had been arrested by police without justification and were subjected to mistreatment.   The Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi informed the Committee that the laborers had been detained because they were not registered with the relevant police station despite residing in rented accommodation. He further stated that after completion of legal formalities, the workers were released on the same day.   The Chairman directed the RPO Rawalpindi to submit details of all individuals detained during the last month.   The Committee also reviewed the issue of encroachments in Rimsha Colony and Allama Iqbal Shopper Colony in Islamabad. Officials from the CDA informed the Committee that although no formal notices had yet been issued, the settlements were considered unauthorized. The Chairman directed the CDA to prioritize the removal of encroachments in Islamabad and submit progress reports in every subsequent Committee meeting.   The Inspector General (IG) Karachi Police briefed the Committee regarding the recent arrest of Ms. Anmol in connection with alleged drug smuggling and narcotics distribution activities. According to the IG Karachi Police, law enforcement agencies had been monitoring the suspect for the past five months. He stated that approximately 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, valued at Rs. 30.5 million, along with a firearm, had been recovered from her possession.   The IG Karachi Police further informed the Committee that the suspect allegedly supplied narcotics in Karachi, including in university areas, and used ride-hailing and delivery services for transportation of drugs. He stated that although initial remand requests were not granted by the court, a subsequent request resulted in a three-day remand being approved.   The Committee was informed that several cases had previously been registered against the accused between 2018 and 2025. Investigations into her mobile phone records and bank accounts are ongoing. Police officials stated that officers responsible for supervising the case had been suspended and assured the Committee that efforts were being made to ensure proper prosecution.   The Chairman directed law enforcement agencies to identify the complete supply chain, trace beneficiaries involved in narcotics trafficking, and take strict action against any officials found facilitating illegal activities.   The Regional Directorate Commander of the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) informed the Committee that a case had already been registered against Ms. Anmol in 2019, following which her CNIC and passport had been blocked. He further stated that the ANF had remained in coordination with Punjab authorities in efforts to apprehend her.   The meeting concluded with directions from the Chairman to all relevant departments to ensure timely implementation of the Committee’s recommendations and submit progress reports in upcoming meetings.