PML-N’s Khurram Nawaz chairs committee on interior meeting.
IG Rizvi informs lawmakers about the security challenges faced.
Rizvi says he intends no disrespect, affirms respect for committee.
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior meeting on Monday turned heated as Committee Chairman Khurram Nawaz and Islamabad Inspector General (IG) Nasir Rizvi engaged in a tense verbal exchange.
During a briefing, IG Rizvi detailed the security challenges faced in the capital, reporting that in the first week of October alone, 31 police officers were injured, and one was martyred in various incidents. Over the past 11 months, police have provided security for 348 VVIP movements.
IG Rizvi shared data revealing that from January to November 7, 2024, Islamabad registered 2,773 street crimes, received 3,897 robbery and carjacking reports on the emergency helpline, and 1,593 robbery cases were reported.
He also highlighted the city’s surveillance capabilities with 3,352 AI cameras and 568 fibre-optic cameras monitoring activity.
The exchange became tense when Chairman Nawaz criticised the authorities’ leniency as he claimed that dacoits only get two to four months in jail and added that the public avoids testifying against criminals.
At one point, Nawaz, a lawmaker from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), interrupted IG Rizvi, who responded by questioning whether he should refrain from answering questions.
The chairman then questioned the IG’s perceived attitude, asserting, “IG sahib, Islamabad police stations feel unsafe even to enter.”
In response, IG Rizvi asked if this was an official observation, which Nawaz affirmed. The exchange escalated further with committee member Syed Hamid Raza admonishing IG Rizvi’s tone.
PPP Standing Committee Member Abdul Qadir Patel said that how many accused have you been successful in getting punished?
Chairman Nawaz even remarked that if the IG wasn’t in uniform, he would have been removed from the meeting, as even ministers and secretaries do not speak in such a manner.
IG Rizvi later clarified that he intended no disrespect, affirming his respect for the committee. The committee’s meeting was subsequently adjourned until Tuesday.