Senate Urges Action Against Kashmore SSP as Crime Rates Soar

APP

Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges, chaired by Senator Taj Haider, has called for disciplinary action against SSP Kashmore after he allegedly failed to respond to multiple calls from Senator Saifullah Abro.

Senator Abro, who filed a Privilege Motion against the SSP, stated he made over 50 attempts to contact the officer, including notifying the SSP’s office, but received no reply.

Expressing frustration, Senator Abro highlighted an alarming surge in kidnappings and criminal activities in Kashmore, pointing out that 10 people had been abducted in just the last three days. He also shared details of a disturbing incident where a police inspector allegedly demanded a ransom of Rs 10 million and four iPhones for the release of a kidnapping victim, calling it part of a troubling pattern of lawlessness.

The Committee, citing the frequency and gravity of these incidents, recommended that the matter be escalated to the Sindh Chief Minister, with Chairman Taj Haider urging strict action. Senator Abro further suggested that the issue be raised with the Establishment Division, emphasizing the negative impact of such crimes on Sindh’s reputation.

Separately, the committee discussed a Privilege Motion submitted by Senator Saadia Abbasi, objecting to an article published in Daily Dawn, titled “The Stealth Cost of Legislature,” by an official from the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE).

The senator criticized the article for allegedly undermining the role of parliamentarians, saying it misrepresented the intentions of elected officials.

Responding to the concerns, PIDE’s Vice Chancellor refuted any malicious intent, asserting that the institution remains focused on research and objective analysis.

However, Senator Taj Haider called the article’s language inappropriate, stating that academic critiques should be founded in respect and objectivity.

The Committee recommended that PIDE correct and republish the document to address inaccuracies and further advised disciplinary action against the Vice Chancellor for his conduct during the discussion.

The committee also examined a proposal concerning members’ authority to introduce Constitutional Amendment Bills in the Senate without explicit approval from their parliamentary parties.

While Senator Saadia Abbasi argued for the protection of Senate privileges and opposed applying National Assembly rules to the Senate, Senator Dost Ali Jeesar recommended that any amendments should require a minimum consensus of 20 percent. Chairman Haider, however, suggested a threshold of 10 percent and mandatory party approval.

The meeting included Senators Dost Ali Jeesar, Saadia Abbasi, Saifullah Abro, and senior officials from relevant departments, who collectively explored measures to uphold parliamentary decorum and accountability in governance.