NA body directs immediate removal of unnecessary checkposts in Islamabad

2026-01-28 - 04:31

ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary panel, after showing concerns over problems being faced by citizens at checkpoints in the federal capital, on Tuesday directed immediate removal of the unnecessary internal checkposts. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior, which met with MNA Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz in the chair, also directed that professional conduct by police personnel be ensured at all the entry and exit points, adding digital traffic management solutions be operationalised at the earliest. Earlier, the committee held a detailed discussion on traffic congestion and blockages in Islamabad. “A detailed presentation was made by the DIG Traffic/CTO Islamabad, highlighting heavy daily traffic volume, ongoing development projects, and security-related checkpoints as major contributors to congestion,” said a statement issued by the NA Secretariat. Calls for addressing issues of traffic congestion, road blockages on priority basis “Members expressed grave concern over unnecessary internal checkpoints and unprofessional conduct by some police personnel, which were causing severe inconvenience to the public,” it said. The committee chairman emphasised that issues relating to traffic congestion and blockages in the ICT must be addressed on a priority basis. It was stressed by the Chair that traffic problems being faced by citizens, particularly on Lathrar Road at Taramri Chowk and Ali Pur Bank stop, should be resolved immediately. The provision of laptops or digital devices to police personnel posted at various checkpoints for vehicle identification was also emphasised by the Chair. Members further raised traffic-related issues at IGP Road, Constitution Avenue, Chungi No. 26, Airport Road, and due to private truck stoppages. After detailed discussion, the Committee directed that unnecessary internal checkpoints be removed immediately. The DIG Traffic/CTO was directed to submit a compliance and progress report in the next meeting, while the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control was advised to address manpower shortages of the Islamabad Traffic Police on a priority basis.” Meanwhile, the committee considered a calling attention notice moved in the National Assembly on September 29, 2025, by MNAs Anjum Aqeel Khan and Ibrar Ahmed, which was subsequently referred to the committee. The notice is related to the delay in payment of compensation to people whose land had been acquired by the CDA in sectors E-12, C-13, C-14, C-15, C-16, and H-16, Islamabad. The committee directed the CDA chairman to submit a comprehensive report on the matter within one week. Besides other agenda items, the committee considered the Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2025 (government bill) and deferred the matter, with directions to the Ministry of Law and Justice to present a consolidated Bill in a future meeting. The committee also considered the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2025 moved by Khawaja Izharul Hassan, MNA. The mover highlighted the difficulties faced by certain communities whose citizenship status remains unresolved, resulting in denial of basic rights and essential services. While acknowledging the seriousness and sensitivity of the issue, members observed that citizenship policy entails complex political, legal and security considerations. The ministry clarified that any change in citizenship thresholds requires political consensus at the highest level. Accordingly, the committee deferred the Bill and directed that the matter be taken up with the government and political leadership for broader consultation. The committee then considered the Islamabad Capital Territory Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill 2025 moved by MNA Dr Sharmila Faruqui. The proposal aimed to enable senior citizens to avail concessions on the basis of a valid CNIC instead of a separate senior citizen card. Appreciating the intent to simplify procedures and reduce hardship for elderly citizens, the committee approved the Bill with an amendment, subject to the ministry’s assurance that the requisite rules would be framed within six months. Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2026