Islamabad: The National Assembly’s Interior and Narcotics Control Committee reviewed key legislative reforms, arms license regulations, and measures against human trafficking during its 12th session held in Parliament House. The meeting, chaired by MNA Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, also addressed delays in development projects and unregistered vehicles, and deliberated on land issues of housing societies.
The Committee discussed four major bills, including the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill, and the Extradition (Amendment) Act. The Land Port Authority Bill was approved with amendments, and the Extradition and Citizenship amendments were recommended for passage, while the Criminal Law Bill was deferred.
Deliberations included a detailed briefing on the National Assembly Employees Cooperative Housing Society’s land issues, and recommendations to invite officials concerning unauthorized wedding halls in Malir, Karachi. Concerns were raised about delayed road projects in Islamabad, to which the CDA Chairman responded that funds had now been allocated for near-completion works.
The Minister of State for Interior informed the Committee that unregistered vehicles will be banned under counter-terrorism efforts, with a progress report to follow. Discussions also addressed arms licenses, with the Minister confirming that Parliamentarians are issued PB licenses and NPB licenses are being considered for associates, businessmen, and taxpayers in specific provinces with the Prime Minister’s approval.
On anti-human trafficking efforts, the Minister highlighted that over 200 offenders have been arrested and fake passport travel is being actively blocked through international cooperation. A follow-up report and a meeting at FIA Headquarters were proposed.
The Committee further discussed the proposed Jinnah Medical Complex in Islamabad and called for immediate action on the PM’s directive. The session concluded with direction to resolve land-related grievances of NAECHS and Senate Employees Housing Society members.
The meeting was attended by key MNAs, senior ministry officials, and representatives from various government departments.