ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior has approved a bill granting free blue diplomatic-style passports to former members of parliament and their families, a decision that has sparked debate over privilege and parity in the country’s passport policy.
The committee meeting was chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, where Senator Abdul Qadir presented an amendment bill related to the salaries and benefits of parliamentarians. The committee approved the proposal without significant opposition.
Key Provisions of the Bill
Under the approved amendment, former MPs and their spouses will be entitled to obtain free blue passports. Additionally, dependent children under the age of 28 will also be eligible for the same facility. The bill argues that since retired federal secretaries and their families already enjoy this benefit, former parliamentarians should be brought on par with them to ensure equal treatment among senior state functionaries.
Heated Exchange Over ‘Police State’ Remarks
The session was not without controversy. A heated exchange erupted between the Minister of State for Interior and Senator Saifullah Abro, with Senator Abro launching a scathing critique of the law-and-order situation in the federal capital. He asserted that Islamabad had been transformed into a “police state,” raising concerns over civil liberties and excessive enforcement.
In response, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry pushed back, stating, “I am not saying that everyone in the Islamabad Police is an angel; anyone can make a mistake.” His remarks appeared to acknowledge systemic flaws while defending the overall performance of the force.
Waterside Safety Bill Also Passed
Separately, the committee also approved the Islamabad Capital Territory Waterside Safety Bill, presented by Senator Shahadat Awan. The legislation aims to regulate safety protocols and security measures along the capital’s waterways, though specific details of the bill were not immediately disclosed.
The approved bills will now move to the full house for further legislative consideration.
