Latest news with #SenateStandingCommitteeonInterior
Express Tribune
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
12,000 Afghans caught with fake passports
The Senate Standing Committee on Interior was informed on Thursday that over 12,000 Afghan nationals were caught in the last five years while travelling to Saudi Arabia on fake Pakistani passports. The committee, which met with its chairman Faisal Saleem in the chair, deferred a briefing on the law and order situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) as the provincial home secretary and the inspector general (IG) of police did not attend the meeting. At the onset of the meeting, the participants offered Fateha for the departed soul of the late senator Taj Haider. While, taking up the agenda items, the participants showed reservations over the absence of the K-P officials. The chair postponed the briefing until the next meeting. Director General Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi informed the meeting that 12,000 people reached Saudi Arabia on fake Pakistani passports. Of them, 3,000 had photo-swapped passports, while 6,000 passports were issued by tampering with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) data. "Most of the people who travelled on these fake documents were deported to Afghanistan. None of them is now in Pakistan, Qazi told the committee. He added that action had been taken against several NADRA and Passport Department officials, involved in the fake passport case. When a committee member asked whether action was taken any officers or just low-ranking officials were punished, the Passports DG replied that 35 assistant directors were also included among those people who faced the action. The Passport DG also raised the issue of the financial problems of his department. He said that they earn Rs50 billion annually for the government, yet they had make rounds of the government offices to ask for the budget. Meanwhile, the issue of vehicles with tinted windows was also taken up in the meeting. The Excise Department Director, Muhammad Bilal, told the committee that since August, several arrests were made and Rs33 million was imposed in fines on the vehicles with tinted windows. The committee members raised the question under which law action was being taken against such vehicles. On that an Interior Ministry officials told the participants that there was no specific law on this issue. The chair proposed to the department concerned to set a fee for this purpose. Also, the committee expressed serious concern over the illegal activities in the guesthouses of Islamabad. The chair revealed that many guesthouses in the federal capital become shisha cafes, bars and drug dens. The Islamabad IG assured the committee of taking action against illegal guesthouses and drug dealers. The chair emphasised a zero tolerance policy on drugs. He sought a list of all guesthouses in Islamabad and a complete report on the actions taken against them.
Express Tribune
19-04-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Hailstorm havoc follows repair rip-offs
Citizens affected by the recent violent hailstorm in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are now facing a second ordeal — rampant overcharging by auto repair workshops and parts dealers. The powerful storm left thousands of vehicles with shattered windshields, broken headlights, and damaged sunroofs. But as residents rushed to workshops for urgent repairs, traders dealing in windshields and vehicle lights seized the opportunity to inflate prices drastically. A windshield that typically sells for Rs5,000 is now being sold for up to Rs20,000. For imported vehicles, prices have surged even more dramatically - windshields once available for Rs20,000 are now priced as high as Rs70,000. Adding insult to injury, labour charges for windshield fittings have also seen a sharp hike. Workshops across Rawalpindi, including those in Chah Sultan, Railway Road, Mithu Khan compound, Gawalmandi, and Pirwadhai, are overwhelmed with damaged vehicles. In some locations, the influx is so severe that it's difficult for pedestrians to walk through. Citizens, already grappling with the destruction caused by the hailstorm, are calling out what they describe as blatant profiteering. "This disaster was a test from God, but instead of learning a lesson, traders are using it to squeeze out maximum profit," said one frustrated car owner. "Every time a calamity hits, some in the business community find a way to exploit those already in distress." However, those involved in the vehicle parts trade claim the price surge is not their doing. "The shortage and price increase were triggered by big companies and stockholders who took advantage of the situation," said a local trader. "We simply can't offer cheaper prices when supplies are limited and more expensive. Plus, there's a labor crunch - we've had to raise fitting charges due to the high volume of work." They're urging the government to take swift action against those charging inflated prices in the wake of the disaster. "The storm passed, but the exploitation continues," said another resident. "The government must step in and hold these profiteers accountable." Proposal seeks compensation Meanwhile, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, Senator Faisal Saleem, has recommended financial assistance for car owners whose vehicles were damaged during a sudden hailstorm in Islamabad, Express News reported on Saturday. The Senator wrote a letter to the Ministry of Interior and the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, highlighting that the hailstorm broke the windshields of hundreds of vehicles, causing significant financial losses to residents. "The unexpected hailstorm caused heavy financial damage to citizens. The government should provide partial compensation to mitigate these losses," the letter read. "Such compensation would not only ease the financial burden on affected citizens but also send a message of goodwill and solidarity." Senator Saleem proposed that subsidies or direct financial assistance be extended to economically distressed citizens. He also called for expedited and fair disbursement procedures from insurance companies.
Express Tribune
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Senate panel okays human smuggling bill
ISLAMABAD: A panel of the upper house has passed a bill seeking stricter punishment for human smuggling, a phenomenon which has in the recent past cost the lives of hundreds of Pakistanis. The Senate Standing Committee on Interior on Tuesday met at the Parliament House to review crucial legislative amendments and infrastructure concerns under the chairmanship of Senator Faisal Saleem. Speaking at the committee meeting, Interior Secretary Khurram Agha said the billthe Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to curb human smuggling "which is on the rise". The proposed legislation, he said, recommends stricter punishment for the crime. Senator Shahadat Awan defended the bill, stating that the proposed law was aimed at making it difficult for the human smugglers to get bail. The committee later approved the bill, which introduces a minimum three-year sentence to strengthen deterrence against human smuggling. The committee members also reviewed the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Bill, 2025, stressing the need for stricter action against unauthorized agents. It also discussed the Emigration (Amendment) Bill, 2025 with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials confirming an increase in fines to Rs1 million to curb illegal activities. After ship capsizing incidents near Greece in November last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the Ministry of Interior to initiate a crackdown against human smugglers and traffickers. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)
Express Tribune
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Senate body passes PECA bill
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior has approved the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025 amid a storm of protest and outcry from opposition lawmakers and journalists who condemned the controversial legislation for curbing free speech. The bill sailed through the committee amid walkouts and vocal dissent, sparking concerns that the government is tightening its grip on freedom of expression. A report issued by Senator Faisal Rehman, chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, outlined the discussions held by Senators Shahadat Awan, Palwasha Khan, Dostain Khan Domki, Irfan Siddiqui, Naeema Ahsan and Umer Farooq. Senator Karman Murtaza also attended as a special guest. The report stated that the bill "primarily seeks to modernise the legislative framework for combating cybercrimes in Pakistan," while the interior secretary claimed it was designed to "protect the general public and to make the in-field act more effective to protect people's rights." PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui supported the bill's intent but raised concerns about its potential to restrict freedom of speech, echoing PTI's policy objections. Despite these reservations, the committee passed the bill by a majority vote and recommended its passage in the Senate. The Senate's official statement emphasised the committee's readiness to offer constructive suggestions for improvement. "The committee members unanimously agreed on the necessity of a robust law to prevent electronic crimes and ensure strict compliance. They highlighted that existing laws addressing pornography, child protection, and hate speech lack clear definitions," it stated. The members also noted the urgency of addressing trolling and online abuse, expressing a commitment to refining the bill and formulating recommendations. Earlier, tensions escalated when PTI Senator Ali Zafar attempted to speak on a point of order but was stopped by the deputy chairman. PTI members responded by banging desks, turning the chamber into a scene of disorder. The opposition lawmakers subsequently staged a walkout in protest. Journalists, protesting the PECA amendments, also exited the press gallery. In response, a delegation of senators, including members from PTI, PPP and JUI-F, visited the journalists to address their grievances. Journalists condemn bill On the other hand, journalists blasted the vague definition of "fake news" in the bill, arguing that it could lead to misuse. Clarifying that they were not against legislation addressing misinformation, they asserted that they found the current draft unacceptable. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) announced a nationwide protest at 3 pm on Tuesday (today) against the bill. In a press release, the PFUJ stated, "We had appealed to the government of Pakistan and elected representatives to consult all stakeholders before passing the amendments from the Senate of Pakistan. We reject these amendments, as they go against the spirit of the Constitution." PFUJ President Afzal Butt criticised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during a press conference, calling the amendments "a very big crime." He noted that the information ministry had indicated plans to consult stakeholders, but this was not done. "We have decided that all the bodies in the Joint Action Committee (JAC) will approach their lawyers and go through the bill point-by-point with the government," he announced, requesting a week for this process. The Anchors' Association also expressed its concerns in a letter to Senator Faisal Rehman, stating that the amendments appeared to be "more about intimidation, harassment and victimisation of critical voices on social media than any betterment of society." The letter criticised the bill's rushed passage and highlighted three key concerns: The bill's potential to foster fear and harassment instead of ensuring freedom of expression under Article 19 of the Constitution. Equating fake news with heinous crimes, without clear distinctions between misinformation and criminal offences. The association called for consultations to ensure that any legislation serves to regulate fake news without restricting constitutional freedoms. PTI demands balanced legislation Addressing a press conference, PTI Senator Ali Zafar declared the party's solidarity with journalists and human rights groups opposing the Peca amendments. He emphasised that stakeholders should have been consulted before introducing the bill in parliament. "Our demand was straightforward and simple: that the government hear from every stakeholder and then make a decision on whether to pass the amendment," he said. "However, we were not given a chance and had no choice but to walk out in solidarity with the media and journalists." Zafar acknowledged the issue of fake news but opposed censorship. "Fake news has been defined so broadly in this bill that if I were to speak against any institution or lawmaker, then they can label it fake news and it is a punishable offence," he said. He called the amendments "unconstitutional and undemocratic," adding, "We demand the formation of a joint committee with equal representation and input from all stakeholders to refine the bill. This is how legislation is done." Zafar warned that without such a committee, the opposition would continue its protest, asserting, "There must be a balance. We are against fake news but also against censorship."
Express Tribune
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Senate panel okays PECA amendment bill
Listen to article The Senate Standing Committee on Interior has approved amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), despite strong objections from journalist organisations and media bodies. According to Express News , the meeting, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem, saw the committee passing the PECA amendment bill. During the session, journalist organisations voiced their opposition to the bill, criticising the lack of clarity in its provisions and expressing concerns about its potential impact. The committee chairman questioned why journalist organisations did not submit their written recommendations, stating that they should have formally presented their suggestions to the committee. During the meeting, Senator Irfan Siddiqui remarked, 'In this country, there's no need for a law to put someone in handcuffs. I was arrested under the rental law myself.' Senator Kamran Murtaza also opposed the bill during the session. Despite this, the committee moved forward and approved the amendment. The Interior Secretary defended the bill, stating it aims to protect the public. He added that the bill, as passed by the National Assembly, would only be approved in its existing form. Senator Irfan Siddiqui pointed out that agreements on certain amendments had been reached during meetings between the Minister of Information and journalists. He questioned whether the Ministry of Interior intended to include additional amendments to the bill passed by the National Assembly. The Anchorpersons Association raised objections during the session, stating they were not given adequate time to provide their suggestions. Journalist organisations criticised the bill, highlighting its vague definition of 'fake news.' They argued that the bill could create more problems rather than solving existing ones. Journalist organisations maintained that while they support legislation against fake news, the current form of the bill is unacceptable. They further stated that as victims of fake news themselves, they understand the need for regulation but called for more precise and balanced legislation. The session was attended by Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Senator Shahadat Awan, Senator Umar Farooq, Senator Kamran Murtaza, Senator Palwasha Khan, and Senator Mir Dostain Hasan Domki.
