Senate body concerned at possession of CNICs by some Afghans

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control raised concerns that some Afghan nationals allegedly still possess Pakistani CNICs, while the CNICs of certain Pakistani citizens have reportedly been blocked on the grounds of being Afghan nationals. The committee met with Faisal Saleem Rehman in the chair to consider some key legislative proposals and matters of public importance. The Committee received a briefing on the mechanism for blocking CNICs of criminals. The Minister of State for Interior informed the Committee that the blocking of CNICs is subject to court orders and cannot be carried out immediately under the existing legal framework. Members highlighted concerns that some Afghan nationals allegedly still possess Pakistani CNICs, while the CNICs of certain Pakistani citizens have reportedly been blocked on the grounds of being Afghan nationals. The Chairman of the Committee directed the relevant authorities to thoroughly examine the matter and resolve the issue at the earliest. The Committee considered the “Islamabad Metro Bus Service Bill, 2026.” Officials of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) opposed the bill, stating that the CDA already has an independent and dedicated wing to manage public transport services in Islamabad and therefore a separate regulatory authority may not be required. The Ministry of Interior and CDA assured the Committee that any constructive suggestions for improvement would be welcomed. The Ministry of Law and Justice informed the Committee that discussions are already under way regarding either amending the existing legal framework or developing a new one. After deliberations, the Chairman of the panel deferred further discussion and directed the mover, CDA, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Law and Justice to hold consultations and reach a consensus, the outcome of which will be presented in the next meeting. The Senate body also considered “The Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026.” After detailed deliberation and in the absence of any objection from the Ministry of Interior, the Committee unanimously approved the draft bill. The Committee also unanimously passed “The Offence of Zina (Enforcement of Hudood) (Amendment) Bill, 2026” following detailed discussion. During consideration of “The Islamabad Real Estate (Regulation and Development) (Amendment) Bill, 2026,” members raised concerns over delays despite the bill having been passed by both Houses of the Parliament. The Minister of State for Interior informed the Committee that the government is reviewing the matter to avoid any overlapping among relevant laws and that a meeting under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Law and Justice has been scheduled to deliberate on the issue. The Chairman of the Committee directed the Ministry of Interior to resolve the matter at the earliest and deferred further discussion. The Committee also unanimously passed “The National Database and Registration Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026.” The Committee also took up matters related to the Parliament Lodges. Members expressed serious concerns over security arrangements, hygiene conditions, lack of basic janitorial services, and the absence of adequate support staff, noting that the lodges are in a dilapidated state. Members also emphasized the need to remove illegal occupants and strengthen security measures. The Committee questioned the lack of maintenance despite substantial budgetary allocations. CDA officials briefed the Committee on the existing challenges and possible solutions. The Committee was informed that the construction of new Parliament Lodges is on schedule and is expected to be completed by July 2026. The panel’s Chairman directed the CDA to submit a detailed report, along with recommendations, at the next meeting regarding the maintenance and security of the Parliament Lodges. He further recommended strict action against defaulters and illegal occupants of the MNAs’ Hostel and Parliament Lodges, emphasizing that priority should be given to parliamentarians for whom these facilities are intended. The Committee also received a briefing on the issue of tinted vehicle glasses. Officials informed the Committee that the ban on tinted glasses was imposed due to its misuse. The Chairman of the Committee recommended introducing a fee-based mechanism for tinted glasses and suggested that parliamentarians and diplomats be exempted from the ban. The Committee was also informed that the arms licence policy is currently under review by the Federal Cabinet, and a decision will be announced soon. A detailed briefing was also given by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police regarding the law and order situation in Mardan. Officials informed the Committee that the police are conducting successful counter-terrorism operations against TTP-associated groups, anti-narcotics operations—particularly against the trafficking of “ice”—and strict action against criminal elements involved in murder and other serious crimes. The Committee was further informed that the police are increasingly utilizing modern technology, including surveillance drones, in counter-terrorism operations. Members suggested enhanced inter-provincial collaboration for technological advancement and innovation. The Committee appreciated the untiring efforts and sacrifices of KP Police personnel in counter-terrorism operations, acknowledging them as a frontline force in maintaining security. The Chairman of the Committee directed that a formal appreciation be issued for the police force and recommended that both the Ministry of Interior and the Provincial Government further strengthen and equip the police with modern technology and resources. Discussion on the security situation in Malakand and Chitral was deferred due to absence of the mover. The meeting was attended by Senator Shahadat Awan, Senator Umer Farooq, Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, Senator Mir Dostain Khan Domki, and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry. Senator Sarmad Ali attended the meeting as mover of the proposed bills, while Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi joined the meeting through an online link as mover of the question. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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