Islamabad, The Senate Standing Committee on Interior convened on Wednesday at Parliament House, under the chairmanship of Senator Mohsin Aziz. Central to their deliberations were legislative measures addressing criminal law amendments, rape investigation protocols, and protection for street vendors, among other pertinent national issues.
According to a news release by the Senate of Pakistan, the Committee passed “The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023.” Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi, who introduced the bill, highlighted the rise in false accusations and unjust criminal prosecution. This legislation seeks to strengthen penalties for these offenses by amending the pertinent sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure.
In a significant move, the Committee also approved “The Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) (Amendment) Bill, 2023,” with specific modifications. Senator Dr. Humayun Mohmand underscored the necessity for mandatory DNA tests during rape investigations. This bill, he clarified, fills existing gaps that sometimes allow culprits to elude justice.
Additionally, “The Rehriban (Street Vendors) Livelihood Protection Bill, 2023” was put forth by Senator Sania Nishtar. The proposed legislation acknowledges the substantial economic contribution of roughly one million street vendors in Pakistan and seeks to shield them from exploitation and undue pressure from various stakeholders. A report on this bill has been sought by the Chairman from the CDA and Interior Ministry within the next fortnight.
A historical concern regarding the Bihari community in Karachi Malir and their struggle to obtain CNICs was raised by former MNA Syed Agha Rafiullah. Responding to this, Caretaker Federal Minister for Interior, Sarfraz Bugti, proposed a consultative session to adequately address the issue.
Another point of contention was the non-issuance of a notification for the role upgrade of a Database Administrator. This matter, closely tied to the merging of services from NARA to NADRA, saw its conclusion as the Committee chose to close the case.
Concerns were raised over the closure of NADRA Registration Centers in Tehsil Dast, Balochistan. The Committee was informed of the centers’ prospective re-opening in November, awaiting security clearances. Consequently, the Interior Ministry has been directed to ensure the centers’ safety.
Lastly, the alarming issue of narcotics sales in specific areas of Karachi was addressed. The Committee emphasized the urgency for Law Enforcement Agencies to actively combat this menace, expecting a detailed report in their next session.
Present at this multifaceted meeting were notable senators and officials, including Senator Fawzia Arshad, Senator Shahadat Awan, Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi, Senator Saifullah Abro, Senator Sania Nishtar, Senator Dr. Muhammad Humayun Mohmand, Senator Danesh Kumar, Senator Kamil Ali Agha, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Caretaker Federal Minister for Interior Sarfraz Bugti, Special Secretary Interior Nadeem Mehboob, among others.