The National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control convened in Islamabad to review progress on a range of critical issues, including efforts to tackle drug trafficking, legislative initiatives, and law enforcement challenges. The meeting, chaired by Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, brought together members of the National Assembly, law enforcement officials, and representatives from several government agencies.
The Committee began by reviewing recommendations from its previous meeting and confirming the official minutes. The Capital Development Authority assured committee members that sectors F-10 and F-11 of Islamabad would be cleaned thoroughly in the near future.
A major focus of the session was the fight against narcotics. The Director of Enforcement at the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) provided an overview of the agency’s strategies and addressed questions regarding government coordination with Sindh’s new Rapid Response Unit (RRU) for combating drugs. It was noted that while the RRU had been formed to address narcotics issues in Sindh, its effectiveness was hindered by a shortage of staff. The ANF pledged ongoing support to provincial efforts through the federal Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), which coordinates drug enforcement activities across 32 agencies to achieve the goal of a drug-free Pakistan.
The Committee was also briefed on federal campaigns aimed at curbing drug use among students in Islamabad’s educational institutions. Members encouraged the ANF to adopt even tougher measures and requested a comprehensive update at the next meeting. The mover of these questions, Ms. Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui Hashaam, expressed satisfaction with the Committee’s guidance.
In legislative matters, the Committee discussed several bills. The government’s proposed amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure was referred forward, while other private member bills, including those focused on corrosive substance assaults, dowry restraint, and domestic violence prevention, were deferred for future consideration. The Islamabad Animal Protection Bill was withdrawn by its mover.
The Committee also received an update from the Federal Investigation Agency regarding the case of Mr. Imran Ullah, who was reported missing in Lahore. Committee members pressed for a timely resolution and requested a list of individuals facing difficulties in obtaining visas and passports, asking that it be reviewed by the Ministry of Interior for swift action.
Law enforcement operations in Islamabad were also reviewed, with the Deputy Inspector General of Police tasked to provide a detailed report on two recent police cases at the next meeting. The Committee voiced strong concern about the illegal occupation of land belonging to the National Assembly Employees Cooperative Housing Society. Members directed the police to work with affected parties to address the land-grabbing issue promptly.
The meeting drew participation from a wide range of parliamentarians and senior government officials, underscoring the Committee’s ongoing efforts to oversee security, law enforcement, and legal reforms across Pakistan.
