The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, held a crucial meeting on Tuesday to review key issues related to law and order, public safety, legislative reforms, and institutional performance, directing authorities to expedite long-pending cases, ensure accountability, and improve governance. The meeting highlighted serious concerns over the Priya Kumari recovery case, security challenges in Katcha areas, arms licensing to non-tax filers, and the continued absence of the CDA Chairman.

The Committee took up a Point of Public Importance raised by Senator Danesh Kumar regarding the non-recovery of Priya Kumari and the unresolved death of Naresh in District Badin, Sindh.

Briefing the Committee, IG Sindh stated that the case dates back to August 19, 2021, involving multiple Joint Investigation Teams, inter-provincial coordination, and the interrogation of over 1,000 suspects. DNA testing and forensic investigations were conducted, while intelligence suggested the child may have been shifted to Bahawalpur and possibly sold by an organized nationwide gang. A Rs. 500 million reward and countrywide awareness campaigns were also launched.

Chairman Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman assured full support, stating:

“Any support required from this Committee will be provided. The case must be expedited and resolved by all means.”

The Committee directed the IG Sindh to submit regular progress reports, emphasizing that a new investigation team could be formed if needed.

Katcha Areas & Kidnapping Case Reviewed

The Committee also reviewed the kidnapping for ransom of Islamabad residents Shakeel Abbas and Tahir Abbas, abducted in Ghotki, Sindh. The IG Sindh informed that the victims were honey-trapped, a Rs. 48 million ransom was paid and later recovered, and three facilitators were arrested.

He highlighted operational challenges in Katcha areas, citing difficult terrain and water flow, while noting that motorway access has been blocked and no similar incidents were reported in the past year. Surveillance operations are now supported by drones and armed drones.

Calling for decisive action, Chairman Rehman remarked:

“We want the Katcha areas to become a normal and integral part of Pakistan, just like any other region.”

NCCIA Performance Raises Alarm

The Director General NCCIA informed the Committee that 11 cases involving parliamentarians were pending, with only two currently under investigation. The Chairman expressed serious concern, noting that 1.37 lakh complaints had been received nationwide with very limited resolution.

The Committee demanded province-wise data on registered, resolved, and pending cases, while the Ministry acknowledged staff shortages but claimed operational improvements were underway.

Arms Licenses & Tinted Glass Policy

The Committee reviewed arms licensing procedures and revealed that 32,000 licenses were issued to non-tax filers. Chairman Rehman stressed:

“Being a taxpayer must be mandatory for issuance of an arms license.”

The Committee recommended immediate suspension of such licenses and directed authorities to present a clear implementation timeline.

On tinted vehicle glasses, the Committee was informed that a policy allowing 50% tinting on rear glass only is under consideration, with enforcement linked to Safe City facial recognition systems. The Ministry was given one month to finalize the policy, ensuring female security concerns are addressed.

CDA Chairman’s Absence Draws Strong Criticism

Several agenda items related to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) were deferred due to the continued absence of the CDA Chairman, including matters concerning Parliament Lodges, Islamabad Master Plan, green belt encroachments, and unregistered housing societies.

The Committee expressed serious concern over repeated non-attendance and sought a detailed performance briefing on CDA operations during 2024–25.

The meeting was attended by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, Senator Danesh Kumar, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, Senator Talha Mahmood, Senator Sarmad Ali, Senator Umar Farooq, and Senator Shahadat Awan. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also participated.

Concluding the session, the Chairman reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to public safety, transparency, legislative clarity, and the rule of law.

The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control routinely reviews internal security, policing, and governance issues, and has previously issued strong recommendations on law enforcement reforms, public safety policies, and institutional accountability.