Senator Talha Mahmood was unanimously elected Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence during a meeting at Parliament House on Tuesday. Senator Umar Farooq nominated Mahmood, seconded by Senator Sarmad Ali, and the committee endorsed the selection without dissent.
Upon taking charge, Mahmood declared the Defence Committee one of the Upper House’s most crucial bodies. He vowed to collaborate with members to bolster the nation’s defence structure and improve national security mechanisms.
He commended the armed forces for their sacrifices in safeguarding the country, emphasizing their role in border protection and maintaining internal order. Citing recent Pakistan-India friction, he said their courage elevated Pakistan’s global stature. “National security must be our top priority, and national unity on this matter is vital. Supporting our military is paramount,” he stressed.
Mahmood hailed the recent Pakistan-Saudi Arabia pact as a landmark achievement of significant strategic importance and a source of national pride. He also noted areas for improvement within Defence Ministry-related organizations, promising proactive committee engagement in proposing reforms. He urged collaborative efforts for national advancement, economic growth, and stability.
Expressing gratitude, he recounted his parliamentary service since 2006, including leadership roles in committees like Interior, Cabinet Secretariat, and Finance. He considered chairing the Defence Committee an honour and pledged his full dedication.
Addressing regional concerns, Mahmood highlighted Chitral’s strategic importance but lamented its inadequate infrastructure. He urged the immediate restoration of Chitral airport operations and flight resumptions to improve national connectivity. ‘Chitral’s geographical location, bordering four regions, is crucial. The committee will hold a dedicated meeting for briefings from relevant departments on this,’ he stated.
He also pointed out Chitral’s poor roads, emphasizing the need for regional progress and resource provision. He similarly advocated for greater focus on underdeveloped areas of Balochistan.
Senator Farooq congratulated Mahmood and urged parliamentary involvement in the Saudi-Pakistan agreement, requesting a comprehensive Defence Ministry briefing. Senators Sarmad Ali and Abdul Quddus Bizenjo also extended congratulations and pledged full cooperation.
Mahmood’s unanimous election signifies members’ confidence and unity, raising expectations for enhanced parliamentary oversight and improvements in national defence and security.