Senate Standing Committee on Interior on Thursday called for expediting the 12-year-old girl Farishta's murder case probe and also vowed to work on reforms needed in the matter including the importance of quick filing of FIR, capacity building and training of police officials among other areas of weakness.
Senator Rehman Malik, chairman committee, said that he was shocked to read a report that child abuse in Pakistan is increased by 11 percent in year 2018, compared to 2017, with more than 10 children suffering some form of abuse every day in Pakistan last year.
He said that it is the high time to frame stringent laws to prevent child abuse in all forms. He added that after taking the notice of Zainab case he had suggested public hanging of the culprits to set a precedent for others, however, his suggestion was repelled by fellow Senators.
"Child abuse is a heinous crime which is not only the worst kind of violation of children rights but also bringing a bad name to the country," he added. Inspector General of Police ICT Aamir Zulfiqar Khan briefed the Committee that Frishta went missing on 15th May and the father of the girl reported to the Police Station, Tramari, on the next day ie. 16th May, about the missing of his daughter.
The IG police said that it was the negligence at the part of police officials for not registering the FIR on the same day. He said that a case was registered against the SHO and police officials and they were suspended and arrested.
He said that the police is waiting for the PFSA report which will most probably be received today, adding that as soon as it is received, will be shared with the committee.
He said that the case is tricky and is a blind murder and nothing can be said before getting the forensic report because the report will tell either the investigation has to go for murder or murder after rape.
The committee directed that there should be no delay in presentation of forensic report as it will raise concerns on forging the report. Senator Rehman Malik said that there is dire need of the time that Forensic Labs in each provincial Police Headquarters should be established for speedy forensic reports.
The IGP informed the committee that 76 rape cases have been reported since last one year and out of these 64 have been challaned. On his request, the committee granted to hold an in-camera session after the report to discuss it in detail. The Chairman Committee, Senator Malik appreciated IG Police for taking strict action against the police officials for their criminal negligence in the line of duty.
The committee tasked Senator Rana Maqbool, Additional Secretary Interior and IGP ICT to work on some recommendations to put an end to increasing child abuses in the country.
The committee considered the matter regarding demolition of buildings near Islamabad Airport, Kashmir Highway, Islamabad, raised by Senator Rukhsana Zauberi.
Senator Malik said that action should be taken against those officers who showed criminal negligence in the past and allowed these illegal encroachments to build.
He directed that a detailed survey should be conducted by CDA in Islamabad on demolished buildings, Christian colonies and other plots for the multi-story buildings.
He directed the CDA that the survey report should be submitted to the committee within one month. He also directed that all Kachi Abadis wherein mostly Christian community is settled, should be provided gas and electricity facilities.
He directed that the residences in Katchi Abadis should not be demolished until they are provided alternate shelters and unless a prior notice is served to them at least 3 months before.
The Chairman Committee sought information as to how many houses in residential areas are still undergoing commercial activities. He also directed the Ministry of Interior and CDA to conduct a survey as to how many foreigners are living indifferent residential areas of the capital.
The Chairman Capital Development Authority Amer Ali Ahmed briefed the meeting that the demolition is a part of the anti-encroachment drive and the demolition is being done of those buildings that were made on right of way of the highway.
The Committee members observed that the anti-encroachment drive has caused harm to poor people and there should be a report as to how many buildings of rich people have been demolished.
Chairman CDA observed that if the issue was not handled previously, it does not provide any justification for it to be delayed further. Senators Javed Abbasi and Dr Shehzad Waseem endorsed the encroachment drive and said that recovering government land is needed but the drive should be overarching and equal for all.
On the matter moved by Senator Usman Kakar regarding 'gunfire by security forces on protest in Waziristan the Committee dismissed the report by interior ministry and directed for more investigation into the matter by interior as well as defence ministry.
The committee strongly condemned the terrorist attacks at a mosque in Quetta on Friday dated 24th May, 2019, wherein 3 people were martyred and more than 19 people were injured.
In his opening remarks, while strongly condemning the terrorist attack at a mosque in Quetta, Senator Malik said the involvement of foreign hands cannot be ignored in the terrorist activities inside Balochistan.
He said that it is time for national unity rather polarization as we are still fighting against terrorism. He said that we fully support and stand by Pakistan Army, Police and other Law enforcement Agencies in war against terrorism.
He said that the current wave of terrorism in Balochistan is of great concerns as anti-state elements are fully active to destabilize Pakistan; however, they will not success in their nefarious designs. Senator Malik said that situation is Balochistan can be deteriorated further particularly after the victory of BJP and Narendra Modi, who had already confessed Indian involvement in Balochistan.
He added that this is the time for national unity as those who were responsible for Samjhauta Express have been elected as Members of Indian Parliament on the desire of Modi. On the other hand, there was not a single Muslim who could be elected as Member of Indian Parliament thus India will be a more dangerous place for minorities under Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that who will believe that Pragya Singh Thakur will become member of the Parliament, who had confessed her involvement in Samjhauta Express blast.
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