Key Takeaways
- The Senate blocked a bill aimed at restricting diplomatic passport issuance to ministers of state and advisers.
- State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudhry opposed the bill, citing cabinet authority concerns.
- The bill sought to amend the Passports Act 1974 to limit diplomatic passports to ministers only.
The Senate in Islamabad on Monday rejected a private member’s bill that sought to restrict the issuance of diplomatic passports to ministers of state, advisers, and special assistants. The bill, introduced by PTI Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, was opposed by State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, who argued that the bill undermined the authority of the cabinet.
Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, maintained that the bill was necessary to ensure that only ministers should have diplomatic passports, stating, 'There should be no distribution in the issuance of diplomatic passports.'
PPP Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro defended the current system, arguing that a minister of state is also a representative of the Parliament. He stated, 'A minister of state is also a representative of the Parliament and should have the same privileges.'
The bill, which aimed to amend the Passports Act 1974, proposed the insertion of a new Section 12A to restrict diplomatic passport entitlements. According to the bill, no diplomatic passport would be issued, re-issued, or renewed to ministers of state, advisers to the prime minister, special assistants to the prime minister, federal secretaries other than the foreign secretary, or director generals, by virtue of holding such office.
The bill clarified that nothing would prevent such individuals from obtaining or retaining an ordinary or official passport where otherwise entitled, and that nothing would affect any independent entitlement arising by virtue of any other office, appointment, or diplomatic assignment which lawfully carries such entitlement.
The proposed amendment was intended to ensure a clear and reasonable distinction between diplomatic functions and political status, promoting a transparent and purpose-based system for the issuance of diplomatic passports. It argued that the proposed amendment would not restrict official duties or official foreign travel, as a person may continue to obtain an ordinary or official passport where otherwise entitled.
The bill’s statement of objects and reasons noted that the Passports Rules 2021 provide for the issuance of diplomatic passports to various categories of public office holders, including state ministers and functionaries having the status of minister of state. It emphasized that a diplomatic passport is a special travel document of the state and its issuance should primarily correspond to the nature and requirements of diplomatic or state functions rather than operate automatically as a privilege attached to rank or status.
The heated exchange among senators led to a walkout by the PPP, highlighting the political divide on the issue. The bill’s rejection marks a significant setback for those advocating for greater transparency in the issuance of diplomatic passports.
You are bringing an amendment to the authority of the cabinet which you have not seen.
Tallal Chaudhry, State Minister for Interior
There should be no distribution in the issuance of diplomatic passports.
Faisal Saleem Rehman, PTI Senator, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior
