Senate interior panel advances crucial bills

Approves amendment in Pakistan Penal Code

ISLAMABAD:

Senate Standing Committee on Interior on Thursday unanimously passed a bill to amend the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 [The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024].

During the session, significant bills were discussed, reflecting the committee's commitment to legislative excellence and public welfare.

Firstly, the committee unanimously passed the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, with a notable emphasis on safeguarding the dignity of the deceased.

The bill also proposed an increase in fines to Rs500,000, signaling a stern stance against violations of human rights in the country. This unanimous decision underscores the committee’s dedication to upholding the sanctity of the law.

In a subsequent development, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri withdrew the Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking (Amendment) Bill, 2024. This decision came as the relevant Ordinance, which the amendment sought to address, had already been repealed in 2018.

Another significant legislative action was the passage of Senator Shahadat Awan's Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. This bill introduced crucial amendments to sections 292, 293, and 294 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), along with subsequent amendments in the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Despite concerns raised about potential misuse of proposed sentence enhancements, the bill was passed with necessary amendments, highlighting the committee's diligence in refining legislative proposals for optimal effectiveness.

However, the committee deferred deliberations on the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which Senator Shahadat Awan had introduced. This bill focused on Sections 513 and 514 of the CrPC, indicating the committee's judicious approach to prioritizing legislative matters based on their urgency and significance.Additionally, the National Database and Registration Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023, introduced by Senator Fawzia Arshad, underwent thorough scrutiny. The committee passed this bill with amendments, showcasing its commitment to enhancing administrative procedures and ensuring the efficacy of regulatory frameworks.

Beyond legislative matters, the committee addressed pressing issues raised by Senator Danesh Kumar. Concerns about commuter difficulties at check posts along the Balochistan-Karachi route and the demolition of a Hindu Temple in Mithi District, Tharparkar, were thoroughly discussed.

The committee recommended the establishment of a joint check post to streamline security procedures and ensure a seamless experience for commuters. Furthermore, it advocated for fair treatment of encroachers, stressing equitable enforcement of the law irrespective of social or religious affiliations.
The Senate Standing Committee on Interior operates with a sense of duty and responsibility towards the nation.

Senators Saifullah Abro, Danesh Kumar, Fawzia Arshad, Kamil Ali Agha, Shahadat Awan, Waqar Mehdi, and Aon Abbas, along with senior officials from relevant departments, collectively work towards legislative excellence and public welfare. Through their deliberations and decisions, they uphold the principles of justice, accountability, and progress for all citizens.