Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control convened at Parliament House, focusing on a range of legislative proposals and national issues under the chairmanship of Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman. The discussion included security preparations for Muharram, water shortages in Islamabad, and inefficiencies in passport offices.

The Extradition (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which has already been passed by the National Assembly, was a focal point, with the Ministry expressing its support for the amendments. The Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at resolving issues faced by overseas Pakistanis regarding dual nationality, was also reviewed.

Concerns about passport office inefficiencies were raised by Senator Hidayatullah Khan, prompting Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi to assure an investigation into the delays and mishandling of cases. Discussions also covered quota allocations in prohibited areas of Balochistan and KPK, with Minister Naqvi noting a policy revision is underway.

The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced by Senator Muhammad Tallal Badar, was examined for its proposed penalties for crimes against women and harboring hijackers. Meanwhile, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri’s Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was deferred.

Senator Fawzia Arshad raised the issue of Islamabad’s water crisis, particularly in Sector G-6/4, with Minister Naqvi explaining that a task force is currently evaluating key projects. Senator Arshad has been invited to the task force’s upcoming meeting.

The Committee also recommended holding a confidential session to address security concerns in Sindh, as emphasized by Senator Saifullah Abro. The members concurred on the importance of not compromising on matters involving threats to family members.

On Muharram security, the Committee was briefed on the coordination efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, such as inter-agency collaboration and drone surveillance. Concerns about security on the D.I. Khan-Balochistan route were acknowledged by KPK Police, who reported new security posts and enhanced collaboration with the Ministry of Interior.

Recent developments in the Mardan incident were also discussed, with the KPK Police noting arrests and the elimination of key militant elements. The Committee emphasized the need for a strong on-ground presence to ensure a peaceful Muharram.

The meeting involved several senators and senior departmental officials, with KPK Police contributing online.