Senate body clears blue passport for ex-legislators’ kids

Pakistan's Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control has unanimously approved a bill that would grant blue passports to the dependent children of former lawmakers, provided they are under 28 years old. This proposed amendment to the Members of Parliament Salaries and Allowances Act, 2026, brought forward by Senator Abdul Qadir, aims to provide the same entitlement to ex-legislators' children as is currently available to dependents of retired Grade-22 government officers.

Minister of State for Interior Muhammad Talal Chaudhry endorsed the bill, stating that its recommendations would be presented to the cabinet for final approval. During the committee's meeting, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rahman, members discussed the potential international implications of this passport policy change on Pakistan's global ranking. Despite these considerations, the bill received unanimous approval and will proceed through the legislative process.

The committee also addressed a significant scandal involving the disappearance of cigarettes valued at Rs250 million from Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) warehouses in Swabi and Mardan. The situation became contentious when FBR officials informed the panel that officers allegedly involved could not be placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) until legal proceedings were concluded. FBR officials further argued that investigative agencies needed departmental permission before probing FBR officers, asserting that ECL placement must follow due legal process.

Committee members strongly rejected the FBR's stance, emphasizing that accountability institutions should operate independently. They expressed particular skepticism regarding the FBR's internal investigation, which attributed the loss to a watchman, a peon, and a driver, while no signs of forced entry were reported. "This amounts to making junior staff scapegoats while shielding senior officials," the members observed. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) reportedly identified a deputy collector, two officials, and two inspectors as potentially involved, but the matter remains at the inquiry stage.