Senate Panel Seeks Fresh Inquiry into Hina Javed Case After Family Raises Objections

Nadeem Tanoli

Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control has called for a fresh and impartial inquiry into the alleged murder of Hina Javed after her sister raised serious questions about the police investigation, including the handling and disclosure of forensic evidence. The Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control told the committee that a fresh inquiry would be initiated to investigate the matter and decide further action.

The committee met at Parliament House on October 29, 2026, under the chairmanship of MNA Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz. It heard briefings from Rawalpindi Police and the Additional Inspector General of the Punjab Crime Control Department about the case, in which Hina Javed was allegedly murdered on August 20, 2026.

Police officials told the committee that a special investigation team had been formed, forensic and digital evidence had been examined, and an independent monitoring committee had been set up to review the investigation. They also presented findings concerning the alleged involvement of a domestic employee and other forensic and circumstantial evidence.

The officials clarified that the final decision on guilt or innocence would rest with the competent court. However, Hina Javed’s sister expressed serious reservations about the investigation, questioned how forensic evidence had been handled and disclosed, and called for an independent inquiry and a judicial commission.

Committee members stressed that the case required a transparent and impartial investigation. They recommended a fresh inquiry, with the family’s concerns properly examined and the findings handled according to law without interfering with the jurisdiction of the court. The committee deferred the matter until its next meeting for further consideration and recommendations.

Another major issue raised during the meeting concerned alleged financial irregularities in the Intelligence Bureau Employees Cooperative Housing Society, also known as IBECHS or Gulberg Greens, Islamabad.

A committee member referred to a notice issued on September 1, 2026, seeking information about the implementation of an order dated March 3, 2026, issued by the Registrar Cooperative Societies and Deputy Commissioner Islamabad. The order concerned the removal of the society’s former Secretary General and recovery of the loss.

The member also raised concerns over a possible conflict of interest involving the alleged appointment of a former legal adviser to the society as a judge. He asked the Ministry of Law and Justice to explain the circumstances and legal implications.

The committee chairman said the panel had sought information about implementation of the March order, but the parties concerned had approached the Islamabad High Court for relief before the matter could be discussed at the next meeting. After discussion, the committee decided to examine the issue further, subject to applicable legal and judicial directions. Relevant officials will be required to explain the status of the order and respond to the concerns raised.

The committee also took up complaints about the non payment of wages to workers employed at Parliament Lodges through a private contractor. It stressed that labour laws, contractual obligations and wage payment rules must be followed. The relevant authorities were asked to provide documentary proof of payments for review at the next meeting.

The issuance and validity of official or gratis passports for serving and former members of parliament also came under discussion. The Director General of Immigration and Passports briefed the committee on the existing rules and validity periods.

The Ministry of Interior said the rules were under review to improve the international standing of Pakistan’s green passport and help secure visa exemption arrangements. Members questioned proposed limits on passport validity and renewal, stressing that a uniform policy should be consistent with legal entitlements.

The ministry agreed to provide category wise details of passport holders and information on the reduction achieved. The minister said the matter required a collective decision by the House because of visa exemption negotiations, international commitments and the planned move to electronic passports. The committee deferred the issue until it received the relevant rules, details and the ministry’s position.

A member also raised concerns about the use of explosives in mines in Balochistan and sought a briefing and report on the matter under inquiry. The interior minister assured the committee that the issue would be examined and a briefing arranged in coordination with MNA Khushal Khan Kakar.

Concerns were also raised about national identity cards and family records being blocked because of alleged links to unauthorised persons. The member said such actions could create difficulties for entire families, including relatives and in-laws. The committee asked for specific cases so the Ministry of Interior could examine them.

On the closure of Islamabad’s Sunday Market and the sealing of shops, the minister said the closure was temporary. He said the market could reopen once the required safety procedures were completed following the fire incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.

The committee also considered the Code of Criminal Procedure Amendment Bill, 2025, but deferred it. The Islamabad Capital Territory Food Fortification Bill, 2025, moved by MNA Shaista Pervaiz, was referred to the Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research for further consideration.