The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control convened on Tuesday at Parliament House to address critical issues, including Islamabad”s severe water shortage, security plans for Muharram in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and several legislative proposals. Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman chaired the session.
The committee examined the Extradition (Amendment) Bill, 2025, already passed by the National Assembly, receiving support from the Interior Ministry. They also reviewed the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2025, designed to ease the process for overseas Pakistanis reclaiming citizenship under dual nationality provisions.
Senator Hidayatullah Khan raised concerns about delays and inefficiencies at passport offices. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi promised an investigation, emphasizing accountability in public services. The committee also deliberated on quotas in restricted areas of Balochistan and KP. Naqvi stated that the quota system is under revision and NADRA-linked firearm license revocations are being reassessed.
Senator Fawzia Arshad highlighted the water crisis in Islamabad, specifically in Sector G-6/4, citing numerous unresolved complaints. Naqvi explained that a Prime Minister-appointed task force is evaluating water projects, and Senator Arshad has been invited to its next meeting.
The committee also discussed the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposing severe penalties for crimes against women and harboring hijackers. The Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was postponed. Security threats in Sindh, raised by Senator Saifullah Abro, will be addressed in a closed-door session.
KP Police briefed the committee on Muharram security arrangements, including inter-agency cooperation, drone monitoring, and border closures. Senator Abdul Qadir expressed concerns about the D.I. Khan-Balochistan route”s vulnerability. KP Police acknowledged the issue and announced the development of six new security outposts.
Regarding the recent Mardan incident, KP Police reported arrests and neutralization of militant groups. Chairman Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman stressed the importance of a visible security presence during Muharram. Senators, the Interior Minister, and officials from relevant departments attended the meeting, with KP Police participating remotely.