News Detail
Event Title: Senator Naseema Ehsan, Chairperson Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House Islamabad
Event Date: 2026-08-03
Senate Committee Reviews National Archives Rules, Calls for Stronger Preservation of Archival Material and Child Protection Measures
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, chaired by Senator Naseema Ehsan, was held at Parliament House to review the formulation of rules under the National Archives Act, 1993, and the Archival Material (Preservation and Export Control) Act, 1975. The Committee also examined the implementation of its recommendations regarding the Balochistan Child Protection Commission.
The meeting was attended by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt and Senator Rubina Qaim Khani.
The Committee reviewed the draft National Archives (Research and Reference) Rules, 2026, and was informed that the existing mechanism had been formalized in the form of draft rules following the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation. Officials further informed the Committee that certain additions had also been incorporated to provide greater clarity and improve implementation. Members took keen interest in the formulation of the rules and directed that they be finalized in light of the Committee's recommendations and presented to the members for review during the Committee meeting with the Cabinet Division within the next two to three weeks. Chairperson Senator Naseema Ehsan further directed the Cabinet Division to consult provincial governments before finalizing the rules.
The Committee was also briefed on the draft Acquisition of Archival Material Rules, 2025, aimed at safeguarding, preserving, and protecting documents of national importance. Officials informed the Committee that documents of significant national value would be declared archival material after 25 years, enabling stronger legal protection against smuggling. The Committee emphasized that Pakistan's historical records are a priceless national asset and stressed the need to promote awareness among the younger generation about their importance.
During the meeting, the Secretary, Cabinet Division, invited the Committee to visit the National Archives of Pakistan to observe ongoing preservation efforts. The Committee was informed that a Rs. 285 million modernization project is underway to upgrade fire safety systems, lighting, and environmental controls. Officials, however, highlighted the shortage of skilled archivists due to low salaries and limited career prospects. In response, the Chairperson recommended engaging academia and other relevant stakeholders to introduce specialized archival preservation courses and upgrading professional posts to attract qualified personnel.
The Committee was further informed that approximately nine million archival documents have been digitized, while the next phase envisages providing public access through an online e-library. Appreciating this initiative, Chairperson Senator Naseema Ehsan directed that robust cybersecurity and data protection measures be incorporated into the legal framework to safeguard the country's documentary heritage.
The Committee also considered the draft Preservation and Export Control Rules, 2025, designed to regulate the preservation, exhibition, and export of archival material owned by both private individuals and public authorities. Members welcomed the introduction of licensing mechanisms to curb the illegal movement of historical records outside Pakistan. The Committee expressed particular concern over archival collections in provincial custody, especially in Kalat, and called for their digitization and preservation through coordinated efforts with provincial authorities. The Chairperson further emphasized the need for stricter legal penalties for the smuggling of archival material and directed the inclusion of disaster risk management measures to protect archives from natural calamities.
Reviewing progress on the Committee's recommendations regarding the Balochistan Child Protection Commission, officials informed members that the Balochistan Cabinet had approved the Child Protection Rules, 2026, while the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2026, is currently under consultation and is expected to be enacted soon.
The Ministry of Human Rights also highlighted the absence of rehabilitation facilities for drug-dependent children and support centres for girls abandoned by their families due to the misuse of social media. The Committee stressed the need for comprehensive awareness campaigns to promote the responsible use of social media among children and urged parents to play a more active role in monitoring their children's online activities.
Concluding the meeting, Chairperson Senator Naseema Ehsan appreciated the efforts of the Balochistan Child Protection Commission and underscored the importance of sustained measures to strengthen child protection mechanisms and safeguard the rights and well-being of children across the province.