Senate panel backs blue passports for ex-lawmakers

A Senate standing committee on Friday approved a bill proposing official blue passports for former members of parliament, their spouses and dependent children, advancing legislation that would extend a privilege already available to retired federal secretaries (BPS-22) and their families.

The Senate Standing Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem, unanimously approved the Members of Parliament (Salaries and Allowances) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, moved by Senator Muhammad Abdul Qadir.

The bill will now be presented before the Senate for debate and final voting.

Under the proposed legislation, former members of parliament will be entitled to official (blue) passports free of charge.

The facility will also be extended to their spouses and dependent children below the age of 28. Committee members were informed that retired federal secretaries in BPS-22 and their families already enjoy the same privilege.

The committee also reviewed the theft of 2,828 cartons of cigarettes.

The committee chairman asked what action had been taken on the inquiry report. He was informed that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had submitted its report, which had been forwarded by a subcommittee to the main committee.

The chairman recalled that the committee had recommended placing the names of officials allegedly involved in the case on the Exit Control List (ECL).

FIA officials informed lawmakers that the names had not yet been placed on the ECL, adding that the inquiry was nearing completion.

However, FBR officials argued that the FIA had not followed due process while conducting the inquiry and should have obtained prior approval from the FBR.

Responding to the claim, Senator Saifullah Abro remarked that if the FBR considered itself above everyone else, "it should announce a kingdom".