The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, held a crucial session here at Parliament House on Tuesday to review significant legislative proposals and pressing national concerns, including Islamabad’s ongoing water shortage and security preparations for Muharram in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
During the meeting, the committee reviewed the Extradition (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which has already been passed by the National Assembly and forwarded to relevant ministries for feedback. The Ministry of Interior expressed support for the proposed changes.
The panel also examined the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at resolving legal obstacles faced by overseas Pakistanis seeking to resume their Pakistani citizenship under dual nationality arrangements.
Senator Hidayatullah Khan highlighted delays and inefficiencies at passport offices, drawing attention to mishandled cases. In response, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi pledged an inquiry and stressed the importance of professionalism and accountability in public-facing institutions.
The committee also discussed quotas in prohibited areas of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. IMinister Naqvi informed members that the quota policy is being revised and that NADRA-linked firearm license cancellations are under review.
The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced by Senator Muhammad Tallal Badar, was considered. The bill proposes life imprisonment and financial penalties for individuals involved in crimes against women and for harboring hijackers. Meanwhile, the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2025, presented by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, was deferred for a later date.
Addressing the water crisis in Islamabad, Senator Fawzia Arshad raised a public grievance concerning Sector G-6/4, where thousands of complaints reportedly remain unresolved. Minister Naqvi said a task force, established under the Prime Minister’s directive, is assessing major water projects. He added that Senator Arshad has been invited to the next task force meeting to monitor progress firsthand.
The committee also agreed to convene an in-camera session to discuss security threats highlighted by Senator Saifullah Abro in Sindh. Members unanimously stressed that threats to lawmakers and their families must be taken seriously with zero tolerance.
On Muharram security, the committee was briefed on arrangements in KP, including inter-agency coordination, drone surveillance, and sealing of provincial boundaries. Senator Abdul Qadir voiced concern over security vulnerabilities on the D.I. Khan-Balochistan route.
KP Police acknowledged the issue and reported that six new security posts have been sanctioned under the Annual Development Programme (ADP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the National Highway Authority (NHA).
Regarding the recent Mardan incident, KP Police reported key arrests and the neutralization of militant elements. Committee Chairman Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman emphasized the need for a strong on-ground security presence to ensure peaceful observance of Muharram.
The session was attended by Senators Fawzia Arshad, Naseema Ehsan, Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, Saifullah Abro, Mir Dostain Khan Domki, Umer Farooq, Jam Saifullah Khan, Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui, Shahadat Awan, Hidayatullah Khan, and Senator Muhammad Tallal Badar. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and senior officials from concerned departments participated, while KP Police joined the meeting online.