Senate body clears blue passport for ex-legislators’ kids

Senate Panel Approves Blue Passports for Ex-Legislators' Children, Draws Criticism

ISLAMABAD: A Senate panel on Friday unanimously approved a bill that would allow the issuance of blue passports to dependent children under the age of 28 of former members of parliament, bringing them in line with the existing entitlement available to dependent children of retired Grade-22 government officers. The Members of Parliament Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was introduced as a private member’s bill by Senator Abdul Qadir and approved by the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control during a meeting chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rahman.

Minister of State for Interior Muhammad Talal Chaudhry supported the passage of the bill, saying the recommendations would be placed before the cabinet for finalisation by the competent authority, as reported by Dawn. However, in a separate Dawn report, Chaudhry denied supporting the bill, claiming he opposed it when it was introduced in the Senate and that he had advised the committee to first discuss the matter with the federal cabinet and relevant stakeholders. “Despite my reservations, the Senate & Standing Committee on Interior proceeded with its decision to pass the bill,” he said.

During deliberations, the committee discussed the implications of the passport policy, including its possible impact on Pakistan’s international passport ranking, before unanimously approving the proposed legislation.

Coverage Comparison

Dawn’s first report focused on the procedural aspects of the committee meeting, detailing the approval of the bill and the discussion on the cigarette theft case and other issues. The second report highlighted the controversy and public backlash, presenting critical views from politicians, journalists, and experts. While the first report noted Chaudhry's support, the second report included his denial, creating a contrast in coverage.

Key Claims

The committee unanimously approved the bill to grant blue passports to dependent children under 28 of ex-parliamentarians.

The bill was introduced by Senator Abdul Qadir and approved by the committee chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rahman.

State Minister Tallal Chaudhry initially supported the bill but later denied supporting it, claiming he opposed it during introduction and recommended cabinet and stakeholder discussion.

The committee discussed the bill's potential impact on Pakistan's international passport ranking.

In the cigarette theft case, FBR officials resisted placing officers on the Exit Control List before completion of legal proceedings, and the committee rejected the need for departmental permission for inquiries against officers. An FIA inquiry identified a deputy collector, two officials, and two inspectors as allegedly involved. The FBR's internal probe blamed junior staff, which the panel questioned.

The committee decided to form a three-member inquiry committee to examine the alleged forced marriage case of a girl from Islamabad.

Senators raised concerns over the misuse of official security personnel assigned to private individuals.

Reactions and Criticism

The approval sparked strong reactions on social media. Senior PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique condemned the bill, comparing it to the KP assembly’s recently approved bill that allowed additional privileges for lawmakers, and said such actions undermine elected houses. He wrote on X: “Until the extraordinary privileges enjoyed by politicians, bureaucrats, higher judiciary, and senior military officers are brought to an appropriate level, injustice will continue to gnaw at society like termites, fostering social discord and public unrest.”

Journalist Fahd Husain called the bill “shameless,” saying it showed the widening trust deficit between “elite politicians” and citizens. Quoting Husain, digital expert Habibullah Khan said, “Our ordinary passport is laughed at because of their inability to make policies and pass reforms to generate wealth in this country and spread it equitably.” He said the bill allows lawmakers to “bypass the consequences of their incompetence.”

Journalist Iftikhar Firdous termed the legislation an attempt to secure “foreign escape routes.” Historian Ilhan Niaz argued that diplomatic passports should be eliminated for everyone except active officials. Journalist Amir Zia said blue passports should only be for active diplomatic assignments. Professor Umair Javed commented that the Pakistani state is being mined by bourgeois segments for class mobility, while business journalist Khaleeq Kiani suggested canceling the nationality of those ashamed of the green passport. Yousuf Nazar, a former official, commented that parliamentarians are concerned only with privileges, perks, and powers.