News Detail
Event Title: Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Interior presiding over a meeting of The Committee at Parliament House Islamabad
Event Date: 2025-02-04
The Senate Standing Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem, convened today at Parliament House to deliberate on various legislative and administrative matters.
The Committee discussed the “Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Bill, 2025”. The Secretary,Ministry of Interior, emphasized the need to strengthen legal provisions to enhance deterrence. The draftsman from the Ministry of Law informed the Committee that the amendment introduces a minimum sentence of three years, which will reinforce deterrence and ensure better enforcement of the law. The Committee members unanimously agreed to pass the bill and underscored the importance of strict adherence to legal enforcement.
Additionally, the Committee reviewed “The Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Bill, 2025”. The Secretary, Ministry of Interior, highlighted that a significant number of individuals involved in trafficking have been apprehended. Following an exchange of views, the Chairman Committee directed the Ministry to share relevant data with the Committee and examine cases where individuals were involved through agents. He further stressed the need to ensure that only authorized agents are recommended for public dealings.
The Committee also discussed “The Emigration (Amendment) Bill, 2025”. Officials from the FIA reported that fines for offenders have been increased to one million rupees. They further added that extending imprisonment sentences would serve as a stronger deterrent against violations.
In the concluding session, the Committee discussed the revamping of Parliament Lodges. The Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) briefed the Committee on delays and project progress. He stated that a summary for the complete revamping of Parliament Lodges had been submitted to the Interior Ministry and if funds were allocated in the current budget, the full revamp would proceed. He further added that the available budget had already been reviewed and approval secured. The Committee was informed that the project initially commenced in 2011 but faced land-related issues. Its completion was originally scheduled for 2013, but the timeline was extended due to complications. Two entities occupied land that originally belonged to the CDA, further delaying the project.
Chairman Committee Senator Faisal Saleem Rahman directed the CDA to provide a copy of the project contract, expressing concern that despite originating in 2011, the building remains incomplete. He also inquired about the annual expenditure on the project and whether funds were being utilized effectively. Emphasizing the need for proper allocation of government funds, he insisted that spending should be transparent and purposeful.
Senator Faisal Saleem further urged the CDA to improve living conditions at Parliament Lodges. The Committee unanimously recommended forwarding the matter to the Planning Division for further execution and suggested that the CDA Chairman personally visit the lodges for a clearer assessment.
The meeting was attended by Senators Shahadat Awan, Umer Farooq, Jam Saifullah Khan, Irfan-ul-Haq Siddiqui, Naseema Ehsan, as well as the Secretary and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and senior officials from concerned departments.