Islamabad, January 20, 2026: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, convened to address pressing law and order issues, review pending legislation, and discuss emerging concerns related to cybercrime and public safety. The meeting was attended by Senators Saifullah Abro, Umer Farooq, Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, and Mir Dostain Khan Domki, with Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir participating as a special invitee. Senators Sherry Rehman, Anusha Rehman Ahmad Khan, Muhammad Aslam Abro, Jan Muhammad Buledi, Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, and Abdul Shakoor Khan attended as movers.
The Committee expressed serious concern over the absence of the Sindh Inspector General of Police, questioning the Sindh Police’s efficiency in failing to apprehend those responsible for the murder of the brother and nephew of Senator Muhammad Aslam Abro. The Committee also discussed the activities of dacoit gangs in the Katcha area of Sindh and emphasized the need for strict law enforcement. The Chairman directed the immediate arrest of the culprits, warning that the IGP Sindh would be held accountable for any delay.
On the legislative front, the Committee passed “The Prevention of Electronic Crime (Amendment) Bill, 2025” without objection from the Ministry of Interior. It also approved “The Islamabad Capital Territory (Prohibition of Plastic Book Covers) Bill, 2025,” with the Chairman welcoming the environmentally friendly initiative. However, the Chairman reiterated displeasure over the IGP Sindh’s absence, which led to the mover, Senator Danesh Kumar, leaving the meeting in protest.
The Committee received updates on identity theft and misuse of personal data. Representatives from NADRA and the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports assured that no data breaches had occurred due to enhanced security measures. Nevertheless, concerns were raised over the availability of Pakistani citizens’ data on the dark web, and authorities were directed to strengthen cybersecurity measures.
The Committee was briefed on the murder case of the son of Mian Adil Rasheed, Patron-in-Chief of the Central Group of Colleges. The investigation has been completed, and the accused have been arrested, earning appreciation for the Punjab Police. Regular updates on the case were requested.
Other issues discussed included the blockage of CNICs, with instructions to facilitate affected individuals through District-Level Committees, and increasing incidents of WhatsApp hacking, with the NCCIA tasked to enhance cybersecurity and enforce compliance by social media platforms.
The Committee also raised concerns regarding E-tagging and M-tagging of vehicles and household surveys in Islamabad, emphasizing the protection of sensitive personal data. Additionally, the theft of 2,828 cartons of cigarettes from FBR stores in Swabi and Mardan prompted the formation of a Sub-Committee, led by Senator Saifullah Abro, to conduct a thorough investigation.
Finally, the Committee recommended that no arms licenses be issued to non-taxpayers and directed the Ministry of Interior to enforce this policy strictly, aiming to strengthen accountability and public safety measures nationwide.
