The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs convened on Friday in Islamabad to address critical legislative and security concerns, including rising cybercrime and financial fraud. The meeting, chaired by MNA Rana Iradat Sharif Khan, began with a moment of silence for victims of recent natural disasters. Members received updates on the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency’s (NCCIA) expanding operations and its collaboration with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to combat the illicit use of SIM cards.

The committee voiced apprehension regarding financial scams, particularly those targeting the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), and security risks stemming from international radio broadcasts. They received assurances that the NCCIA is actively bolstering protective measures. A dedicated briefing on financial malpractices, involving both the NCCIA and PTA, will be scheduled soon.

Legislators also examined ‘The Election (Amendment) Bill, 2025,’ presented by MNAs Shazia Marri and Syed Naveed Qamar. Following discussion, the committee postponed further consideration of the bill to allow for more in-depth deliberations.

Attendees included MNAs Shaikh Aftab Ahmed, Raja Qamar-ul-Islam, Naveed Aamir, Sahibzada Sibghatullah, Mujahid Ali, Ali Muhammad, Hameed Hussain, Khurram Shahzad Virk (remotely), Shazia Fareed, and Naeema Kishwar Khan. Representatives from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and the Election Commission of Pakistan were also in attendance.