Press Release Title: Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control presiding over a meeting of The Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad

Press Release Date: 10th July, 2026

The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control met under the chairmanship of Senator Faisal Saleem Rahman and held detailed deliberations on a wide range of matters concerning governance, accountability, public safety, law enforcement, security, and legislation. The committee conducted an extensive review of the disappearance of cigarettes worth millions of rupees and sought a comprehensive briefing from Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials regarding the implementation of the recommendations made by the committee's subcommittee. Members were informed that the subcommittee had recommended placing the names of the FBR officers allegedly involved in the case on the Exit Control List (ECL). The committee sought confirmation on whether this recommendation had been implemented. FBR officials were unable to confirm whether the officers' names had been placed on the ECL and stated that the authority to place individuals on the ECL falls within the jurisdiction of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). FIA officials informed the committee that they would verify the status of the matter. The proceedings witnessed detailed discussions regarding the application of due process of law. FBR officials maintained that the names of officers could not be placed on the ECL before completion of legal proceedings and argued that investigative agencies were required to obtain the department's permission before initiating inquiries against FBR officers. Committee members strongly questioned this position, emphasizing that accountability institutions must be allowed to perform their duties independently. The committee observed that although the FIR in the case had been registered by FBR officers themselves, the department had subsequently failed to cooperate fully with the police investigation. The committee expressed serious reservations over the FBR's internal fact-finding report, observing that responsibility for the disappearance of goods worth millions of rupees had been attributed to lower-ranking employees, including a watchman, a peon, and a driver, despite the absence of any evidence of forced entry such as broken doors, walls, or windows. Members criticized the report for allegedly shielding senior officials while making junior staff scapegoats. The chairman informed the committee that the FIA investigation had identified the officers allegedly involved and had nominated a deputy collector, two officials, and two inspectors in connection with the case. Committee members also questioned why the suspects had not yet been placed on the Exit Control List despite the seriousness of the allegations. FIA officials confirmed that the matter remained at the inquiry stage and had been transferred to Islamabad Zone for further investigation. The committee also reviewed the policy relating to the allocation and use of non-custom-paid tampered vehicles by government departments. FBR officials informed the committee that such vehicles are allocated to departments for official use under court orders and are assigned to designated offices or posts rather than to individual officers. They further stated that while the FBR had previously managed the allocation process, the responsibility would now rest with the Cabinet Division. Existing vehicles already allocated to police and other government departments would continue to remain with those departments in accordance with Supreme Court orders and approved government lists. The committee also examined whether future allocations under previous legal arrangements would require fresh federal cabinet approval. The committee sought from the FBR list of all the vehicles allocated under the non customs paid vehicles.  The committee reviewed the security arrangements for Senator Saifullah Abro. The Interior Secretary informed members that the Threat Assessment Committee had completed its proceedings and referred the matter to all relevant agencies. Security arrangements within Islamabad had been finalized, while the process of obtaining security clearance for Frontier Constabulary personnel was underway. The committee noted with concern that despite its earlier recommendations, security arrangements for Senator Abro in Sindh had yet to be implemented. The chairman directed that if the matter remained unresolved, the Inspector General of Police Sindh would be summoned before the committee and the issue could also be referred to the Privileges Committee. Senator Abro informed the committee that he had submitted the names of his preferred security personnel more than two months earlier at the request of the Inspector General Sindh but no notification had been issued. He expressed concern regarding the delay and requested that security personnel acceptable to him be assigned. The DIG Larkana assured the committee that the proposed names would be reviewed and that security personnel acceptable to the senator would be provided. The committee also discussed the case relating to the alleged abduction and alleged forced marriage of a girl from Islamabad. Members reviewed the progress of the investigation and examined concerns regarding the conduct of law enforcement officials. During the discussion, Senator Saifullah Abro stated that despite repeated attempts to contact senior officials, his calls had remained unanswered and expressed concerns regarding the response of certain police officers during the handling of the case. The Minister of State for Interior emphasized that the matter should proceed strictly in accordance with due process of law and stressed the importance of awaiting the outcome of the official investigation before reaching conclusions. He further stated that if any complaint was ultimately found to be false, action should also be taken against those responsible for filing false allegations. The Minister reiterated that while mistakes by officials could occur, institutions should be allowed to complete their investigations in accordance with the law. The committee was informed by SP City Dr. Ayaz Hussain that the FIR had been registered on May 5 and that subsequent investigations had brought on record the couple's marriage certificate. He further informed members that the woman had independently approached the court seeking protection from her parents because of alleged threats to her life and had voluntarily recorded her statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure before a competent court in Khanewal. It was also stated that she was over 18 years of age. Considering the sensitivity of the matter, the committee unanimously decided that the minister may form an inquiry committee of three senior police officers comprising one female officer  of not less then grade 18 and two male officers along with chairman committee not less then officer of grade 20 to independently examine all aspects of the case. The committee emphasized that the inquiry must be conducted with complete transparency, impartiality, and caution to establish all facts, including whether the marriage had taken place with free consent and whether any subsequent circumstances required further legal examination. The Minister of State for Interior supported the establishment of the inquiry mechanism and stated that all facts would be brought before the public following a transparent investigation. He also observed that criticism of law enforcement institutions should be based on verified facts and noted that police personnel continue to perform challenging duties in the public interest. Senator Abro maintained that the police department had yet to provide the committee with a comprehensive report on the matter as required. The committee deliberated on the Islamabad Capital Territory Waterside Safety Bill, aimed at strengthening public safety at water bodies across the federal capital. The chairman observed that legislation to prevent drowning incidents had remained pending for more than two and a half years after lapsing with the dissolution of the previous assembly and emphasized the need for its early enactment. Members stressed that the proposed legislation should be finalized after consultation with the Ministry of Law to ensure legal and constitutional compliance before establishing any new authority. The proposed legislation provides for the establishment of a three-member authority responsible for safety measures at water sites, lifesaving services, emergency preparedness, risk assessments, the appointment of authorized officers, and the establishment of a dedicated fund to prevent drowning incidents. The minister and the department conceded the bill, however the comments from the ministry of law were missing nevertheless the committee unanimously supported the bill and passed it.  The committee also directed that development activities in Islamabad should continue without compromising the city's approved Master Plan. The committee unanimously approved the Members of Parliament Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introduced as a private member's bill by Senator Abdul Qadir. The bill seeks to allow the issuance of blue passports to dependent children under the age of 28 of members of Parliament, bringing them in line with the existing entitlement available to the dependent children of Grade-22 government officers. The State Minister for Interior also agreed on passing of the bill, and further said that the recommendations will be tabled before the cabinet allowing the competent authority for finalisation of the matter.  During the deliberations, members discussed the broader implications of passport policy, including its impact on Pakistan's international passport ranking, before unanimously approving the proposed legislation for onward legislative process. The committee also discussed broader issues relating to law and order, public security, and policing. Members highlighted concerns regarding the misuse of official security personnel, particularly the assignment of security details to private individuals, and called for improved oversight, accountability, and effective utilization of police resources in the public interest.   The meeting was attended by  Senator Shahdat Awan, Senator Naseema Ehsan, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Senator Umar Farooq, Senator Palwasha Mohammad Yousaf Zai,  Senator Muhammad Talha Mehmood, Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir,  Senator Saifullah Abro, and Senator Mir Dostain Khan Domki. Minister of State (MoS) for the Ministry of Interior Muhammad Talal Chaudhry, and other senior officers from the ministry and relevant departments were also in attendance.