Islamabad: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control has unanimously approved the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2025, recommending changes to the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to streamline prosecution and punishment of offenders involved in street crimes. The Committee, chaired by Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, MNA, emphasized that amendments in Sections 382A of PPC and 181 of CrPC will strengthen deterrence against criminal behavior and enhance public safety.

The mover of the Bill, Khawaja Izhar ul Hassan, MNA, stated that the legislation targets street crimes involving violence, intimidation, or coercion in public spaces, applying to all individuals involved in committing, facilitating, or concealing such offenses.

The Committee also considered the Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and decided to invite officials of the Election Commission of Pakistan to discuss the Bill and constituency delimitation concerns for local government elections in Islamabad. The Minister of State for Interior supported the decision.

Discussion on the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Government Bill) was deferred to the next meeting, with the Ministry of Law directed to seek input from Bar Councils. The Committee decided not to recommend the ICT Dowry Restraint Bill, 2025, and the Islamabad (Preservation of Landscape) Bill, 2025, noting that existing laws already cover these areas and stressing strict enforcement instead of new legislation.

On a Calling Attention Notice regarding delays in payment for land acquired by the Capital Development Authority in various Islamabad sectors, the Committee directed CDA to submit a workable proposal, emphasizing that all affected landowners should receive adequate compensation.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Talal Chaudhry, Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control, MNAs, additional secretaries, and officers from relevant ministries and departments.