Senate panel takes notice of rampant robbery incidents in capital, passes six bills

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Committee on Interior expressed concerns over rampant incidents of robbery in the federal capital and sought a detailed briefing from the relevant authorities on such crimes and the measures taken to curb such events.

The discussion followed after the committee took serious notice of robbery of a senior officer of the Senate Secretariat Media Directorate and his family, and called for a robust action plan.

Chairman Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman

The committee approved 'The National Forensic Agency Bill 2024' moved by Senator Mohsin Naqi, this bill was passed following its introduction in the Senate on October 17, 2024. It aims to establish a national forensic agency to enhance the country’s capacity in criminal investigations and forensic science. Second bill the panel approved was the Provincial Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2024, moved by Senator Mohsin Aziz. It aims to address evolving challenges related to road safety and motor vehicle regulations. Third bill passed was the Factories (Amendment) Bill 2024 also moved by Senator Mohsin Aziz to streamline factory regulations and improve occupational safety standards.

Fourth bill was the Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill 2024 to strengthen workers' rights regarding timely payments and wage transparency. Fifth was the Islamabad Rent Restriction (Amendment) Bill 2024 to regulate rental agreements and protect tenants from unfair practices. Sixth bill passed was the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024' to enhance legal provisions in the country’s criminal justice system.

The Senate Committee on Interior deferred or referred five bills for further consideration.

During the meeting, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri raised concerns over the use of tinted papers by bureaucrats, suggesting that such privileges should be equally accessible to the general public for their safety. She emphasised that the public’s security needs are as critical as those of government officials, and called for a briefing on the relevant laws regarding this matter in the next meeting.

Additionally, Senator Danesh Kumar raised a point of public importance regarding the abduction of Priya Kumari, and Senator Kamran Murtaza highlighted the recent rise in terrorism incidents in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Both matters were deferred due to absence of the mover.

The meeting was attended by senators Shahadat Awan, Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, Dr Afnan Ullah Khan, Mohsin Aziz and senior officials from relevant government departments.