Report: Ahmed / ANI
ISLAMABAD — A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior was held at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, where several important security, administrative and public-interest matters were reviewed.
PIMS safety concerns: The committee questioned the fire and electrical safety arrangements at PIMS and sought details of the hospital’s latest inspection and audit. The CDA Chairman informed the committee that the last PIMS audit was conducted in September 2025.
Sewage entering Rawal Dam: In a significant disclosure, the CDA Chairman confirmed that sewage water is entering Rawal Dam from three to four locations, including Bani Gala, Bari Imam and Bara Kahu. He said Islamabad requires around 250 million gallons of water daily against a shortfall of approximately 150 million gallons.
The committee also questioned the use of non-custom-paid vehicles by government departments. FIA officials said seized vehicles are considered government property under the rules, while Senator Abid Sher Ali called for such vehicles to be auctioned instead of being used.
Afghanistan visa policy: The committee discussed the visa policy for Afghanistan, particularly facilities for women, students and businessmen. The Ministry of Interior said the issue was sensitive and required consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other stakeholders.
Passenger mobile phone checks: FIA officials clarified that passengers’ mobile phones and social media accounts are not routinely checked at airports. They said checks are carried out only where there is specific information relating to human trafficking. The committee also discussed cases of passengers being offloaded.
Mansehra murder case: The committee reviewed the murder case of Amir Shahzad in Mansehra. The complainant alleged that the accused were present at the scene and later issued threats over the phone. The DPO Mansehra said the accused’s brother, a police constable, had been transferred outside the division. The chairman directed that the matter be brought to the attention of the IG Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Blue passport issue: Senator Abid Sher Ali questioned why parliamentarians were being asked to obtain an NOC from the Ministry of Interior for blue passports. The committee sought clarification regarding the relevant law and rules.
Gilgit-Baltistan: IG Gilgit-Baltistan Dr Akbar Nasir told the committee that the law and order situation in the region was under control, although around 6,000 additional police personnel were required.
The committee also reviewed illegal hostels in Islamabad’s residential areas, tinted vehicleb windows and the city’s smart parking policy, seeking detailed responses from the concerned authorities.
