Islamabad, February 17, 2026: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control convened at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Shahadat Awan to discuss legislative priorities, institutional effectiveness, and the maintenance of law and public order.
The Committee conducted a detailed appraisal of the Islamabad Metro Bus Service Bill 2026, introduced in the Senate on January 19, 2026, by Senator Sarmad Ali. Members requested the Ministry of Law and Justice to examine whether Clause 7 of the Bill falls within the purview of Article 74 of the Constitution. The Committee emphasized that all relevant departments must engage in prior consultations and attend meetings fully prepared.
Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood briefed the Committee on sensitive matters concerning Chitral, including terrorism-related case registrations, placement of individuals on the Fourth Schedule, and alleged mismanagement in police vehicle deployment. He also highlighted cross-border security issues, reporting that three individuals abducted to Afghanistan were successfully repatriated through strategic diplomatic intervention facilitated by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani.
Senator Mahmood requested that the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Inspector General of Police KP, DIG Malakand, and DPO Upper Chitral be summoned to present a comprehensive evidentiary report at the next meeting.
The Committee expressed displeasure over the absence of the CDA Chairman. Besides Senator Shahadat Awan, the meeting was attended by Senators Saifullah Abro, Umar Farooq, Jam Saifullah Khan, Muhammad Talha Mahmood, and Sarmad Ali.
