Islamabad: A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination was convened at Parliament House under the leadership of Senator Dilawar Khan, focusing on pivotal issues affecting inter-provincial harmony, security, and the management of essential commodities across federating units. The session, attended by several senators, addressed concerns related to inter-provincial movements, security arrangements, and the supply of wheat.
According to Senate of Pakistan, Chairman Senator Dilawar Khan expressed concern over the absence of key provincial representatives, notably the non-attendance of the Minister or Advisor to the Prime Minister. The Chairman highlighted the committee’s core objective of addressing regional grievances and bridging inter-provincial gaps, emphasizing that the persistent absence of officials hampers the resolution of public matters. He also suggested the possibility of privilege motions or judicial notices for repeated non-appearances.
The committee discussed security challenges associated with inter-provincial movements, with members raising issues about border movement and domicile verification. Law enforcement officials briefed the committee on the operations of cross-border check posts, noting that while security measures cause temporary disruptions, they are vital for public safety. Senators suggested that police conduct at checkpoints needs improvement due to public inconvenience. The committee urged security authorities to enhance cooperation and respect local traditions, particularly in tribal areas.
On the topic of food security, the committee evaluated the inter-provincial movement of wheat and addressed delays in distribution caused by road blockades. Officials from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Department provided insights into grain reserves, leading the committee to request detailed inputs to ensure a smooth supply of commodities.
Police officials clarified the process of managing CNICs categorized as “doubtful” and addressed concerns over the harassment of citizens traveling inter-provincially. The meeting concluded with a call for fostering inter-provincial harmony as a top priority and directed federating units to enhance cooperation for public convenience and effective coordination.