News Detail
Event Title: Senator Dilawar Khan, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House Islamabad
Event Date: 2026-09-29
SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON INTER-PROVINCIAL COORDINATION URGES STRONGER FEDERATING HARMONY, ADDRESSES INTER-PROVINCIAL MOVEMENTS, WHEAT SUPPLY, AND REGIONAL GRIEVANCES
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) was held today at Parliament House under the Chairmanship of Senator Dilawar Khan to deliberate on critical issues impacting inter-provincial harmony, security, smooth transit, and essential commodity management across all federating units. The meeting was attended by Senators Aimal Wali Khan, Rubina Qaim Khani, syed Kazim Ali Shah, Rubina Khalid, Zamir Hussain Ghumro, Senators Saifullah Abro and Hadayat Ullah Khan attended as special invitee.
During the proceedings, Chairman Senator Dilawar Khan expressed strong concern over the absence of key provincial representatives, particularly noting the non-attendance of the Minister/Advisor to PM concerned. The Chairman emphasized that the core objective of the committee is to address regional grievances and bridge gaps between provinces, pointing out that persistent absence hinders the resolution of critical public matters and raising the possibility of privilege motions or judicial notices regarding repeated non-appearance of officers.
The Committee thoroughly deliberated on inter-provincial movement and transit security following concerns raised by members, including Senator Rubina Khalid and Senator Aimal Wali Khan, regarding border movement challenges faced by travellers and domicile verification at check posts. Law enforcement representatives, including RPO Rawalpindi, AIG South / Sindh Police and AIG Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, IG Gilgit Baltistan and AIG Baluchistan provided detailed briefings. Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi reported that 31 cross-border check posts are currently operational in the province, with personnel deployed across 15 critical security locations check-posts. Although only 3 incidents have been reported since January, he added that, continuous daily threat alerts necessitate strict checking at all security posts. While these heightened security measures cause temporary disruption and inconvenience to citizens, they remain essential for maintaining overall public safety and national security. Senator Hidayatullah and other committee members noted that while the public understands these security compulsions, police personnel must improve their behavior and conduct at checkpoints. They acknowledged that police performance is under severe strain due to heavy workload, fatigue, and a critical shortage of resources. Senator Aumal Wali Khan highlighted regional disparities, pointing out that Punjab remains relatively secure in terms of law and order compared to other regions where conditions are worse. Additionally, Senator Wali raised serious concerns regarding searches in tribal areas, emphasizing that local cultural norms surrounding women's privacy, specifically regarding purdah and burqa searches must be handled with utmost respect to prevent public distress. The committee concluded by urging relevant security authorities and institutions to resolve these issues through mutual cooperation, striving for daily improvements in law and order while ensuring citizen rights and local traditions are respected. DIG KP said, that guidelines given by the committee are highly suitable and appropriate. Additionally, the Committee reviewed the performance of the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) in KP, noting public concern and distress regarding performance while emphasizing that police forces must operate strictly within the bounds of the law. Sindh Police officials further clarified that no discriminatory policy exists against any community, explaining that uniform border checking and national security protocols are strictly maintained to curb smuggling and counter threat alerts.
On the topic of food security and logistics, the Committee evaluated the inter-provincial movement of wheat, addressing distribution delays caused by road blockades and container placement. Officials from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Department briefed the panel on current grain reserves and procurement policies, prompting the Committee and the Chair to request comprehensive written inputs to establish transparent mechanisms and facilitate uninterrupted commodity supply.
The Chairman mentioned that after summoning the DIG Rawalpindi and DPO Attock last time, matters regarding flour transportation had significantly improved.
Officials reported regarding Sukkur (Sindh) and other border checkpoints that operations at joint check posts are conducted strictly to stop illegal smuggling, drugs, etc., whereas stopping general goods transport without justification has been prohibited. Severe concern was expressed over citizens traveling from one province to another (particularly in Karachi, Lahore, Pindi, and Islamabad) being harassed unnecessarily under the guise of CNICs, domiciles, and Afghan nationals.
Police officials clarified that the primary issue stems from CNICs categorized as "doubtful" by NADRA, for which district-level committees headed by Deputy Commissioners are working toward a resolution.
Referring to prejudiced statements and video clips shared in the meeting of provincial assemblies, members noted that such remarks spread hatred among provinces and curbing them is the responsibility of political leadership.
The meeting concluded with the Chairman reaffirming that fostering inter-provincial harmony remains the top priority and directing all federating units to cooperate closely to ensure equal treatment, public convenience, and effective institutional coordination.
The meeting was briefed by Senior officials from the Police and food Department.