Senate passes extradition, Pakistan citizenship amendment bills

ISLAMABAD (Maryam Elahi) – The Senate, chaired by Deputy Chairman Sardar Syedal Khan Nasir, approved the Extradition (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2025 on Friday.

Extradition (Amendment) Bill 2025

Minister of State for Interior presented the Extradition (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was opposed by Barrister Ali Zafar. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar explained that extradition operates on mutual agreements between countries and has a set procedure. Despite opposition, the Senate passed the bill.

Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2025 

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry presented the bill, which was approved by the Senate.

Senator Saifullah Abro highlights corruption in NHA

During the session, Senator Saifullah Abro alleged massive corruption in the National Highway Authority (NHA), accusing officers of lying before standing committees. He urged the Minister for Communications to take action.

In response, Federal Minister for Communications Aleem Khan assured the House that revenue had increased during his tenure and action would be taken on the highlighted concerns.

NHA officer on deputation for 16 years

During the Question Hour, it was revealed that one officer had been on deputation at NHA for 16 years. Senator Shahadat Awan called it a violation of Supreme Court rulings. Minister Aleem Khan said he was unaware of such an appointment but would investigate and take action within minutes if any law was violated.

EOBI devolution to provinces

Senator Zameer Ghumro argued that under the 18th Amendment, the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) should be devolved to provinces.

Minister of State Barrister Aqeel replied that once legal matters are settled, the institution will be handed over to the provinces.

No recruitment from Balochistan in Overseas Pakistanis Ministry

Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan questioned why no one from Balochistan had been hired in the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis. Barrister Aqeel admitted the oversight and promised to provide details, noting that sometimes regions don't produce candidates on open merit. The Deputy Chairman directed submission of relevant information.

Meanwhile, Senator Dinesh Kumar criticised authorities for denying jobs to women and people with disabilities.

Minorities' employment quotas

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar noted that job appointments were once made on verbal orders. He added that the Civil Service Academy has taken steps for minority candidates, including a training initiative for those scoring at least 40%, with names gathered through religious organizations.

Girls sent abroad for illegal work

Senator Humayun Mohmand raised concerns over girls being sent abroad and used for illegal work, sometimes with the help of embassy staff. Barrister Aqeel Malik clarified that embassies were not involved; recruitment is done directly by companies. The issue was referred to the committee.

'Looting' by Private Medical Colleges

Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan accused private medical colleges of exploiting students. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said the matter had been discussed in detail, five complaints had been resolved, and urged identification of colleges for further action.

Offensive remarks by QAU official

Senator Jan Muhammad Buledi complained that a QAU official had used insulting words in a faculty WhatsApp group. Law Minister Azam Tarar said the VC had canceled summer courses despite Senate concerns. Minister of State for Education said the official was a teacher and should be treated leniently. The matter was referred to the concerned committee.

Appointments on deputation in Foreign Ministry

A report on deputation-based appointments in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the past five years was presented. A 60-day extension was approved for the standing committee report. Additionally, a report on the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill 2025 was also granted a 60-day extension.