File photo of Sindh Assembly building. PHOTO: RASHID AJMERI/EXPRESS FILE
KARACHI: Sindh Assembly adopted a resolution on Tuesday making it mandatory to accept DNA test results as primary evidence in rape cases and asked the provincial government to bear the related expenses of the victim.
The resolution was moved by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MPA Sharmila Farooqi, and was supported by members of various parties present.
Farooqi said that the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) had declared that DNA test was not acceptable as primary evidence in the cases of rape, but later the Supreme Court ruled that it was.
"We request the provincial government to bear the expenses of the victims who cannot afford the tests themselves," said Farooqi.
Mehtab Akbar Rashdi of Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) lauded the resolution and said it will allow justice to be served.
MPAs from Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) suggested that a special counter be made in all public hospitals to deal with DNA tests of rape cases.
Uninterrupted supply of electricity
A resolution was also adopted pertaining to the decision of Chairman Senate, Standing Committee on Water and Power to stop 650 MW of power supply to Karachi. The resolution demanded that uninterrupted power supply be ensured in the city.
“We will register our protest in the upcoming meeting of Council of Common Interests (CCI). The new government is violating the constitutional rights of Sindh and defying the law by not providing the province with its due share of gas supply and diverting electricity supply from Karachi to Punjab,” said Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MPA Hafeezuddin had submitted an adjournment motion, requesting Speaker Shehla Raza to discuss the matter.
Shah asked the members to adopt the resolution so that the matter could be broached in the upcoming CCI meeting.
“71 per cent of the total gas production comes from Sindh, but federal bureaucracy is not giving us our due share. We will protest at every forum for our right,” he said.
MQM MPA Khalid Ahmed moved the resolution which was passed by all the members including PML-N members and its coalition partners in Sindh.
Chashma Jehlum Link canal
Sindh Assembly adopted another resolution condemning the decision of Punjab government to divert Sindh's water share from River Indus by opening flood canals.
“People are suffering from severe water shortage in lower Sindh and Punjab government has opened the Chashma Jehlum Link canal and Tunsa Panjnad Canal, which is illegal and against the law,” the members maintained.
Moving the resolution, the members of PPP, MQM, PML-N and PML- F requested the federal government to intervene.
“Chashma Jehlum Link canal and Tunsa Panjnad Canal were meant to divert surplus water during the flood season, but it's being diverted throughout the year," said Jam Khan Shoro.
COMMENTS (13)
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@ashar
its very unfortunate, people comment without reading the story. It is resolution not bill. One should understand at least difference
I feel proud to be a born Sindhi.
How unfortunate that without giving this matter due time to debate the bill was presented and passed the same day without realizing that the same may be misused at times while there is no provision incorporated in the bill to avoid the misuse of the law.
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui: DNA sample collected even after month from various place can be use, as DNA does not change its basic. Please get some education or google it first to know the subject first. ET pls........
This resolution once again proves that Sindh is the most progressive province no matter how the opponents delegitimize its elected leaders. Irrespective of party everybody voted for the common sense resolution and it was unanimously adopted. This also explains why the rightwing extremist killers are against the progressive parties and have waged war on them. While the new KPK govt does not have any woman representation Sindh has always elected more women as their leaders. Kudos to the major parties of Sindh form coming out strongly for the DNA tests and first in the nation to adopt it.
Jeeay Sindh Assembly! Proud and Happy to be a resident of Sindh.
Never thought I would root for something done by Sharmila Farooqi! Great job!
If DNA Test is not accepted as Rape Evidence we should abandon all medical tests
Props to PPP and MQM unlike JI and PTI who push women in the stone age !
I don't know how Sindh Assembly legislators have adopted resolution without consulting a Medical Doctor as what is the maximum time limit to take a DNA test after the victim had been raped?
When I talk about rape victim, it includes virgin, as well as married women.
What will happen if the Police itself delayed the case to take the rape victim to a hospital for a DNA test?
How it can be proved that so and so person has raped so and so girl or women when the case is reported after 24 hours?
Resolution for DNA evidence is a great poditive step and contribution. Bravo. Now federal goveenment must adopt it too.
Only Sindh can take such steps in Pakistan. No religious party was elected in Sindh. Long live liberals.
Thanks to PPP for the resolution and rest of house include MQM for agreeing with it.