The Senate Standing Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem, unanimously approved the Members of Parliament (Salaries and Allowances) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on Friday. The bill, moved by Senator Muhammad Abdul Qadir, proposes issuing official blue passports to former members of parliament, their spouses, and dependent children under 28 years of age, free of charge.
Privilege Extended to Former Lawmakers
Under the proposed legislation, former MPs and their families would receive the same passport facility currently available to retired federal secretaries (BPS-22) and their families. The bill will now be presented before the full Senate for debate and final voting.
Committee members were informed that the existing privilege for retired BPS-22 officers includes their spouses and dependent children. The extension to former parliamentarians aims to recognize their service to the nation.
Cigarette Theft Case Also Reviewed
The committee also examined the theft of 2,828 cartons of cigarettes. The chairman asked about action taken on the inquiry report. Officials stated that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had submitted its report, which was forwarded by a subcommittee to the main committee.
The chairman recalled that the committee had recommended placing the names of allegedly involved officials 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.
FBR and FIA Dispute
FBR officials argued that the FIA had not followed due process during the inquiry and should have obtained prior approval from the FBR. Responding to this claim, Senator Saifullah Abro remarked that if the FBR considered itself above everyone else, "it should announce a kingdom."
The committee directed the FIA to expedite the inquiry and ensure accountability in the cigarette theft case.
