Key public safety and governance issues: Senate body orders expedited probe, accountability

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control on Monday issued a series of firm directions to law-enforcement and regulatory authorities, ordering expedited investigations, stricter accountability, and time-bound policy decisions on key public safety and governance issues, including unresolved criminal cases, crime in katcha areas, tinted vehicle glass regulations, and arms licensing.

Chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, the committee directed the Inspector General of Police Sindh to submit regular progress reports on the long-pending recovery of minor girl Priya Kumari and warned that a new investigation team could be constituted if tangible progress was not made. The chairman assured full committee support, stressing that the case must be resolved “by all means.”

The committee also pressed for decisive action to normalise law and order in Sindh’s katcha areas, where members expressed concern over repeated incidents of kidnapping and crime. While officials briefed the committee on recent operations and the use of drones, members called for stronger accountability and broader operations to secure the area.

On regulatory matters, the committee granted the Ministry one month to finalise a comprehensive policy on tinted vehicle glasses in Islamabad, directing that enforcement mechanisms, revenue objectives, and women’s security concerns be clearly addressed before fines are imposed.

In another major directive, the committee recommended the immediate suspension of arms licences issued to non-tax filers, barred the issuance of new licences to non-taxpayers, and sought a clear timeline for implementation, underscoring that taxpayer status must be mandatory for arms licensing.

Several legislative matters, including the Islamabad Metro Bus Service Bill, honour killing prevention amendments, and food safety regulations, were deferred pending stakeholder consultations and technical input. The committee also expressed serious concern over repeated non-attendance by the Chairman CDA, deferring multiple CDA-related agenda items and seeking detailed briefings on unregistered housing societies, encroachments, and overall performance.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026