ISLAMABAD: The proposed Islamabad Model Police Act 2020, that seeks depoliticisation of the capital police, is likely to be approved in a parliamentary meeting scheduled to be held on Feb 16.

A sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior has discussed the bill and draft presented by the capital administration over the bill. Earlier, the committee had deferred discussion on the bill during its last meeting held on Jan 25. The interior ministry had been asked to submit its recommendation and proposal within two weeks.

The bill was moved by PTI MNA Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak in September last year. Talking to Dawn after the meeting, she had said,“I am hopeful that the sub-committee will approve the bill and send it to the main committee. Officials concerned will also meet to discuss the bill in a private meeting, before the next scheduled meeting.”

Officials who attended the meeting told Dawn, on condition of anonymity, that the deputy commissioner submitted a draft over the bill with amendments. Besides, the committee was informed that the Interior Ministry drafted a Police Act.

However, there are some differences in the two drafts over authority and responsibility.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2021