Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar directed Advocate General Sindh on Friday to approach the parents of Amal Umar regarding payment of compensatory amount. He also directed the private hospitals in Karachi to submit details of their charges for medical treatment. The CJP said Sindh advocate general should speak to Amal's parents regarding compensation money and if they do not take compensation, then we will see whether to donate it to the dams' fund.
Directives were issued during hearing of a suo moto case vis-à-vis 10-year-old Amal Umar, who was killed by a stray bullet during an alleged police encounter in DHA area of Karachi in mid-August this year. CJP heads the larger bench of the apex court that is hearing the case at SC's Karachi Registry.
The members of the committee, formed by SC to ascertain the facts, representatives of the private hospital, police officials and Amal's parents remained present during the hearing.
The Court was informed that police officials submitted a report on the matter just a day ago and former judge Khilji Arif Hussain, member of the committee was not here, thus, more time must be given to review the report and give recommendations.
The Chief Justice said that "the court wants to do something for our child. Amal is gone but we will not let her sacrifice go waste. He inquired action police taken regarding in this regard.
The parents of Amal Umar told the court that a private hospital, where their daughter was taken after being hurt from the bullet put all the blame on us. The Court summoned the administration of the hospital on Saturday.
During the hearing, CJP appealed to the private hospitals to do something to help the poor patients, who cant' afford the expensive treatment at private hospitals.
Expressing trust in the private hospitals, CJP remarked that these institutions in Karachi are comparatively better than Lahore and suggested that private hospitals should fix a quota of twenty beds for the poor patients.
The SC bench also summoned the officials of Sindh Healthcare Commission, in this regard. It also sought the rate list of medical treatments in private hospitals. "Court should be told about the charges for ventilator, oxygen and others facilities at private hospitals," CJP ordered.
He directed all private hospitals to submit relevant details which the SC bench has sought, on Saturday (today) when it will resume the case hearing.