Islamabad – April 23, 2025, The 12th meeting of the Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control (NC) of the National Assembly was held today at 11:00 a.m. in the Parliament House, Islamabad. The meeting was chaired by Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, MNA. The Committee confirmed minutes of its previous meeting held on February 28, 2025, and welcomed the Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control on his first appearance before the Committee. A comprehensive review of the implementation status of earlier recommendations was carried out, followed by deliberation on the following Government Bills: the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Section 462O); the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Section 14A); the Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill, 2024; and the Extradition (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Amendment to Section 7).

 

A detailed briefing was provided regarding the National Assembly Employees Cooperative Housing Society (NAECHS)’s land issues. In relation to wedding halls’ constructions in Malir (NA-230), Karachi, the Committee recommended inviting relevant officials from the Pakistan Coast Guards and the Government of Sindh for the next meeting. The Committee raised concerns with CDA regarding delayed development projects, including roads with tenders issued over a year and a half ago. The CDA Chairman informed that funds have now been allocated for projects nearing 80% completion, and two roads will be completed in each constituency of Islamabad. Regarding unregistered vehicles, the Committee directed the Secretary, Ministry of Interior and NC, and the CDA Chairman to engage with vehicle dealers and resolve registration issues. The Minister stated that as part of the national counter-terrorism initiative, unregistered vehicles will not be allowed on roads. A report on this matter is to be submitted in the next meeting.

 

The Committee also deliberated on arms license policies. The Minister clarified that one PB license is issued to each Parliamentarian, while NPB licenses are issued to their close associates. Special permissions for issuing NPB licenses in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be sought from the Prime Minister (PM). Additionally, arms licenses for businessmen and taxpayers are under consideration.

 

The Minister condemned human trafficking and emphasized that no travel will be permitted on fake passports. He informed that over 200 offenders have been arrested, and several FIA officials have been terminated. The Secretary further noted coordination with Saudi Arabia and other nations, leading to passports cancellation. A comprehensive report will be presented in the next meeting, and a dedicated meeting at FIA Headquarters may be convened. The Committee also discussed the PM’s announcement regarding the Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Center (JMRC) in Sector H-16, Islamabad, and recommended that the project be initiated as planned.

 

Legislative matters saw the Committee deferring the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Section 462O) to the next meeting and Committee members were directed to forward recommendations to Mr. Jam Muhammad Aslam, Additional Draftsman, Ministry of Law and Justice, with Khawaja Izhar Ul Hassan, MNA, coordinating. The Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Section 14A) was recommended for passage. The Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill, 2024 was approved with three amendments, and the Extradition (Amendment) Act, 2025 was also recommended for passage after thorough review.

 

Responding to queries regarding FIRs filed against participants in Jamaat-e-Islami’s Gaza March, the Minister stated that the Government facilitated the event and was commended by the organizers. However, strict action is being taken against those involved in damaging police stations. The Committee also directed the Chief Commissioner, Islamabad, to resolve pending issues of Members of Societies related to the NAECHS and Senate Employees Housing Society and submit a report in the next meeting.

 

The meeting was attended by MNAs Mr. Anjum Aqeel Khan, Chaudhary Naseer Ahmed Abbas, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, Syed Rafiullah, Sardar Nabeel Ahmed Gabol, Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel, Khawaja Izhar Ul Hassan, Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani, Ms. Zartaj Gul, Mr. Mohammad Jamal Ahsan Khan, Mr. Nisar Ahmed, Sahibzada Muhammad Hamid Raza, Mr. Muhammad Arshad Sahi, and Mr. Jamshaid Ahmed. Also present were Capt. (Retd.) Muhammad Khurram Agha, Secretary, Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control; Mr. Arshad Majid Momand, Special Secretary, Ministry of Energy (Power Division); Mr. Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chairman CDA; Mr. Jam Muhammad Aslam, Additional Draftsman, Ministry of Law and Justice; and senior officials from relevant divisions/departments.