Islamabad, The Senate Standing Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Mohsin Aziz, convened its final meeting at the Parliament House, focusing on the passage of significant bills and addressing public issues. The committee members and Ministry officials praised Chairman Aziz for his leadership and the effective management of committee operations.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee unanimously passed the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by Senator Shahadat Awan, which aims to protect the dignity of human corpses by inserting a new section 297A in the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, and amending the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898. The bill proposes an increased fine of up to five hundred thousand rupees for violations.

However, the Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, was withdrawn due to the original ordinance being repealed in 2018. Another bill, also introduced by Senator Awan, sought amendments in sections 292, 293, and 294 of the Pakistan Penal Code and related procedures, was passed with modifications despite concerns over potential misuse of enhanced sentences.

The committee deferred the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2024, while the National Database and Registration Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023, introduced by Senator Fawzia Arshad, was approved with amendments.

Public issues were also a major focus. The committee addressed the humiliation faced by commuters from Balochistan to Karachi at various security checkpoints, recommending the establishment of a joint check post for a streamlined one-window operation. Additionally, the demolition of a Hindu temple in Mithi District of Tharparkar by district authorities was discussed, with the committee recommending equal treatment for all cases of encroachment on state land.

The meeting underscored the committee’s commitment to legislative reform, public welfare, and addressing grievances, setting a precedent for future deliberations. Attended by Senators Saifullah Abro, Danesh Kumar, Fawzia Arshad, Kamil Ali Agha, Shahadat Awan, Waqar Mehdi, and Aon Abbas, along with senior officials from relevant departments, the session marked a productive conclusion to the committee’s tenure.