• Senators flag concerns over passengers’ dignity; demand legal justification for inspecting passengers’ belongings
• PIFD vice chancellor faces privilege inquiry
ISLAMABAD: A Senate panel on Wednesday expressed concern over the inappropriate conduct of Airports Security Force (ASF) personnel during the search of parliamentarians and passengers at the Karachi airport, directing that the official concerned be summoned to the next meeting.
The Senate Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges met under the chairmanship of Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi. Senators Jan Muhammad, Dost Ali Jaisar, Saadia Abbasi, Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Bushra Anjum Butt and senior officials attended the meeting.
Taking up a privilege motion moved by Ms Zehri concerning the ASF personnel’s alleged inappropriate conduct, the committee reviewed the response regarding the inquiry report. Mr Mehdi informed members that a reply stated the official had been transferred to another location.
“The matter is not confined to parliamentarians but also concerns ordinary citizens,” Ms Abbasi said, noting that the situation could create a negative public perception of elected representatives.
Ms Zehri questioned the legal provisions empowering authorities to search passengers’ belongings, maintaining that such searches should only be conducted when required by security considerations. “The official should be summoned to present his position and explain the legal authority for such actions,” Ms Zehri said.
Mr Mehdi directed that the official and other relevant officers be summoned to the next meeting.
PIFD VC
The committee also considered a motion by Senator Butt against Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) Vice Chancellor Hina Tayyaba Khalil, and prominent fashion designers Deepak Parwani and Sehyr Saigol.
Ms Butt, chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, alleged a breach of privilege after the vice chancellor refused to appear and assist in the discharge of the committee’s parliamentary functions. Instead, an internal inquiry committee was constituted within the PIFD, and Ms Butt was required to appear before it for an interview.
The motion contends that calling a sitting senator before an internal institutional inquiry in circumstances arising directly from the discharge of her parliamentary functions raises a serious question of interference.
Taking up the matter, the panel expressed displeasure over the absence of the education minister and secretary. Mr Mehdi observed that officials should have informed the committee in writing of their inability to attend. He directed that show-cause notices be issued to members of the university’s senate. Following deliberations, a subcommittee, convened by Senator Khan, was formed to comprehensively examine the matter.
The panel also took up Ms Khan’s privilege motion against a director at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), Dr Sherjeel Zaheer, concerning alleged remarks following her social media post highlighting poor facility conditions. The chairman directed an unannounced hospital visit and accepted an apology tendered by Pims.
Additionally, the committee examined Ms Khan’s motion against Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan concerning alleged unparliamentary conduct. The matter was deferred due to his absence.
Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2026
