Latest news with #SenateStandingCommitteeonInteriorandNarcoticsControl
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Senate body recommends Extradition (Amendment) Bill, 2025
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control recommended the Extradition (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The committee meeting chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman was held on Tuesday to review key legislative proposals and pressing national issues, including security preparations for Muharram in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad's water shortage. The committee discussed the Extradition (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which has been passed by the National Assembly and referred to concerned ministries for input. As per the objective and reason of the bill, since the enactment of Extradition Act, 1972, no amendments are made. The delay in disposal of extradition cases, reflect badly at international forums. The extradition requests are received from foreign jurisdictions through diplomatic channels. The cases are processed under Extradition Act, 1972 and have to be forwarded to the Federal Cabinet twice i.e. for initiation of the process by nominating inquiry officer and after receiving report from the inquiry officer for surrendering/extradition as per sections 7, 11, and 13 of the Extradition Act, 1972. Extradition cases are forwarded to the Federal Cabinet for consideration which takes considerable time due to busy schedule of the Federal Cabinet's official business. The ministry supported the proposed amendments. The Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was also reviewed, which seeks to address concerns of overseas Pakistanis who are unable to resume citizenship after acquiring foreign nationality. The amendment aims to bridge this legal gap in cases where dual nationality arrangements exist. Senator Hidayatullah Khan raised concerns over inefficiencies at passport offices, citing delays and mishandling of cases. Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi assured the committee that the matter would be investigated and emphasised the need for professionalism and accountability in public service. The committee also discussed quota allocations in prohibited areas, particularly, in Balochistan and KPK. Minister Naqvi informed that the policy is under revision and that NADRA-linked license cancellations are also being reviewed. The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, moved by Senator Muhammad Tallal Badar, was examined. The proposed changes include life imprisonment and fines for crimes against women and for harboring individuals involved in hijacking. The Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, was deferred. The committee discussed the Point of Public Importance regarding the water crisis in Islamabad, raised by Senator Fawzia Arshad during a sitting of the Senate. She highlighted the situation in Sector G-6/4, where thousands of complaints remain unresolved. Naqvi informed that a task force, formed on the prime minister's directive, is reviewing key water projects, and Senator Arshad has been invited to attend the task force's next meeting to assess progress. The committee also recommended convening an in-camera meeting to address security concerns raised by Senator Saifullah Abro in Sindh. Members, unanimously, agreed that no compromise should be made in matters involving threats to members' families. On the issue of Muharram security preparations, the committee was briefed on coordination efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including inter-agency collaboration, drone surveillance, and sealing of provincial boundaries. Senator Abdul Qadir raised concerns about security gaps on the DI Khan–Balochistan route. KPK Police acknowledged the issue and reported that six new security posts have been approved under the Annual Development Programme (ADP), and coordination with the Ministry of Interior and NHA has strengthened response capabilities. Regarding the recent Mardan incident, KPK Police reported significant progress, including arrests of facilitators and the elimination of key militant elements. The chairman stressed the need for maximum on-ground presence and visible deterrence to ensure peaceful observance of Muharram. The meeting was attended by senators, Fawzia Arshad, Naseema Ehsan, Palwasha Khan, Saifullah Abro, Mir Dostain Khan Domki, Umer Farooq, Jam Saifullah Khan, IrfanulHaque Siddiqui, Shahadat Awan, Hidayatullah Khan, Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, Muhammad Tallal Badar, and senior officials from relevant departments, while KPK Police participated online. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Senate panel approves two amendment bills
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control on Monday approved two significant amendment bills while voicing strong concerns over widespread civic violations in Islamabad, including illegal guest houses, unauthorised constructions, and encroachments on greenbelts. The committee chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, approved two key amendment bills while rejecting several others and expressing serious concerns over rampant urban violations in the federal capital. The committee passed the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2025, presented by Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar. It also approved the Pakistan Coast Guards (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to authorise law officers of the Coast Guards as public prosecutors. The committee recommended that the rules clearly define the government's role in appointing special public prosecutors. However, several proposed legislations failed to secure endorsement. Senator Mohsin Aziz's Control of Narcotics Substances (Amendment) Bill was rejected due to lack of support from key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, HEC, Ministry of Health, Law Ministry, Anti-Narcotics Force, and provincial authorities. Despite highlighting that nearly 30 percent of the population may be affected by drug use, the committee deemed the bill unfeasible. Another bill moved by Senator Aziz — the Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding (Amendment) Bill, 2024 — was also voted down, although members acknowledged the need for stronger controls on hoarding in Islamabad. Senator Palwasha Khan withdrew both the Shamilat Land Protection Bill, 2024 and the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Additionally, the National Occupational Health and Safety Bill, 2023 by Senator Zarqa Suhrawardy and the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2024 by Senator Fawzia Arshad were dropped due to the absence of the respective movers. The committee also reviewed the annual repair and maintenance plan for the Parliament building, prepared by the CDA in consultation with both legislative secretariats. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry criticised the delay in funding and poor quality of work, prompting the committee to recommend implementation in one go and better financial planning. Addressing civic issues, the committee was informed that Islamabad houses 221 guest houses, with 27 sealed, 112 under litigation in the Islamabad High Court, 86 in the Supreme Court, and 194 operating under stay orders. Senator Shahadat Awan raised alarm over unauthorised commercial use of residential properties. Chairman Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman pointed out illegal constructions continuing despite court interventions and encroachments on CDA greenbelts. He directed the CDA to present a detailed progress report and review past recommendations in the next session. The meeting was attended by senators, Shahadat Awan, Palwasha Khan, Umer Farooq, Irfanul Haque Siddiqui, Mohsin Aziz, Jam Saifullah Khan, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, and senior officials from relevant ministries and departments. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
