Latest news with #FaisalSaleem
Express Tribune
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
12,000 Afghans caught with fake passports
The Senate Standing Committee on Interior was informed on Thursday that over 12,000 Afghan nationals were caught in the last five years while travelling to Saudi Arabia on fake Pakistani passports. The committee, which met with its chairman Faisal Saleem in the chair, deferred a briefing on the law and order situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) as the provincial home secretary and the inspector general (IG) of police did not attend the meeting. At the onset of the meeting, the participants offered Fateha for the departed soul of the late senator Taj Haider. While, taking up the agenda items, the participants showed reservations over the absence of the K-P officials. The chair postponed the briefing until the next meeting. Director General Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi informed the meeting that 12,000 people reached Saudi Arabia on fake Pakistani passports. Of them, 3,000 had photo-swapped passports, while 6,000 passports were issued by tampering with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) data. "Most of the people who travelled on these fake documents were deported to Afghanistan. None of them is now in Pakistan, Qazi told the committee. He added that action had been taken against several NADRA and Passport Department officials, involved in the fake passport case. When a committee member asked whether action was taken any officers or just low-ranking officials were punished, the Passports DG replied that 35 assistant directors were also included among those people who faced the action. The Passport DG also raised the issue of the financial problems of his department. He said that they earn Rs50 billion annually for the government, yet they had make rounds of the government offices to ask for the budget. Meanwhile, the issue of vehicles with tinted windows was also taken up in the meeting. The Excise Department Director, Muhammad Bilal, told the committee that since August, several arrests were made and Rs33 million was imposed in fines on the vehicles with tinted windows. The committee members raised the question under which law action was being taken against such vehicles. On that an Interior Ministry officials told the participants that there was no specific law on this issue. The chair proposed to the department concerned to set a fee for this purpose. Also, the committee expressed serious concern over the illegal activities in the guesthouses of Islamabad. The chair revealed that many guesthouses in the federal capital become shisha cafes, bars and drug dens. The Islamabad IG assured the committee of taking action against illegal guesthouses and drug dealers. The chair emphasised a zero tolerance policy on drugs. He sought a list of all guesthouses in Islamabad and a complete report on the actions taken against them.
Express Tribune
19-04-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Hailstorm havoc follows repair rip-offs
Citizens affected by the recent violent hailstorm in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are now facing a second ordeal — rampant overcharging by auto repair workshops and parts dealers. The powerful storm left thousands of vehicles with shattered windshields, broken headlights, and damaged sunroofs. But as residents rushed to workshops for urgent repairs, traders dealing in windshields and vehicle lights seized the opportunity to inflate prices drastically. A windshield that typically sells for Rs5,000 is now being sold for up to Rs20,000. For imported vehicles, prices have surged even more dramatically - windshields once available for Rs20,000 are now priced as high as Rs70,000. Adding insult to injury, labour charges for windshield fittings have also seen a sharp hike. Workshops across Rawalpindi, including those in Chah Sultan, Railway Road, Mithu Khan compound, Gawalmandi, and Pirwadhai, are overwhelmed with damaged vehicles. In some locations, the influx is so severe that it's difficult for pedestrians to walk through. Citizens, already grappling with the destruction caused by the hailstorm, are calling out what they describe as blatant profiteering. "This disaster was a test from God, but instead of learning a lesson, traders are using it to squeeze out maximum profit," said one frustrated car owner. "Every time a calamity hits, some in the business community find a way to exploit those already in distress." However, those involved in the vehicle parts trade claim the price surge is not their doing. "The shortage and price increase were triggered by big companies and stockholders who took advantage of the situation," said a local trader. "We simply can't offer cheaper prices when supplies are limited and more expensive. Plus, there's a labor crunch - we've had to raise fitting charges due to the high volume of work." They're urging the government to take swift action against those charging inflated prices in the wake of the disaster. "The storm passed, but the exploitation continues," said another resident. "The government must step in and hold these profiteers accountable." Proposal seeks compensation Meanwhile, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, Senator Faisal Saleem, has recommended financial assistance for car owners whose vehicles were damaged during a sudden hailstorm in Islamabad, Express News reported on Saturday. The Senator wrote a letter to the Ministry of Interior and the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, highlighting that the hailstorm broke the windshields of hundreds of vehicles, causing significant financial losses to residents. "The unexpected hailstorm caused heavy financial damage to citizens. The government should provide partial compensation to mitigate these losses," the letter read. "Such compensation would not only ease the financial burden on affected citizens but also send a message of goodwill and solidarity." Senator Saleem proposed that subsidies or direct financial assistance be extended to economically distressed citizens. He also called for expedited and fair disbursement procedures from insurance companies.
Express Tribune
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Black magic bill gets Senate panel's nod
The Senate Standing Committee on Interior on Monday unanimously approved a bill proposing stringent punishments for practitioners, promoters and advertisers of black magic, mandating up to seven years in prison. The legislation also stipulates that individuals offering spiritual healing services must obtain a license from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The committee, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem, convened at Parliament House, where Senator Samina Zehri presented the bill. Following minor amendments suggested by the Ministry of Law, the committee members unanimously passed the draft. Under the proposed amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), Article 297-A will be introduced. The amendment stipulates that anyone practising black magic, engaging in occult rituals, or promoting such activities will face a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum of seven years in prison, along with a fine of up to Rs1 million. The bill further states that individuals masquerading as spiritual healers while engaging in black magic or promoting its services will face the same penalties. However, licensed spiritual healers registered with the Ministry of Religious Affairs will be exempt from the law. During the committee discussion, PML-N Senator Talal Chaudhry made a sarcastic remark regarding the bill against black magic, saying, "Since it's about dark arts, perhaps PTI should also be consulted". In response, PTI Senator Saifullah Abro clarified that he had no objections to the legislation. The Ministry of Law proposed a minor revision to the bill's draft, which was incorporated before the committee unanimously approved the final version. The committee also raised concerns over the absence of key provincial officials. Senator Saifullah Abro protested the non-appearance of Sindh's Inspector General (IG) and chief secretary, saying, "We represent the entire country. Why have they not shown up?" Chairman Faisal Saleem also expressed frustration over officials skipping meetings, particularly regarding the murder case of Mustafa Amir. He noted that the case was being unnecessarily prolonged by linking it to drug-related charges. State Minister Talal Chaudhry cautioned against summoning provincial officials too frequently, warning that it could create political tensions. "There is a fine line when dealing with provincial matters. If our committee starts digging too deep, it could lead to unnecessary conflicts," he said.
Express Tribune
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Senate panel okays human smuggling bill
ISLAMABAD: A panel of the upper house has passed a bill seeking stricter punishment for human smuggling, a phenomenon which has in the recent past cost the lives of hundreds of Pakistanis. The Senate Standing Committee on Interior on Tuesday met at the Parliament House to review crucial legislative amendments and infrastructure concerns under the chairmanship of Senator Faisal Saleem. Speaking at the committee meeting, Interior Secretary Khurram Agha said the billthe Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to curb human smuggling "which is on the rise". The proposed legislation, he said, recommends stricter punishment for the crime. Senator Shahadat Awan defended the bill, stating that the proposed law was aimed at making it difficult for the human smugglers to get bail. The committee later approved the bill, which introduces a minimum three-year sentence to strengthen deterrence against human smuggling. The committee members also reviewed the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Bill, 2025, stressing the need for stricter action against unauthorized agents. It also discussed the Emigration (Amendment) Bill, 2025 with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials confirming an increase in fines to Rs1 million to curb illegal activities. After ship capsizing incidents near Greece in November last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the Ministry of Interior to initiate a crackdown against human smugglers and traffickers. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)
