Action in Karachi: Senate body inquires about powers to Rangers

Committee on human rights also discusses draft bill on enforced disappearances.


Peer Muhammad September 06, 2013
A file photo of the senate. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD:


The Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights on Thursday asked the government to update it about the powers given to Sindh Rangers to carry out targeted action in Karachi.


The committee, chaired by Senator Afrasiab Khattak, discussed a range of issues pertaining to the human rights with particular reference to the legislation on enforced disappearances.

Senator Farhatullah Babar said the committee should be given details about the powers given to the paramilitary force “We are touchy about human rights and these should be protected at all cost during the operation in Karachi,” said Babar.



“We also want to know whether the Rangers were given the power to investigate suspects and other such powers available to the police” he added. The demand was also endorsed by other members of the committee who asked the chairman to seek comprehensive reply from the authorities concerned.

The committee also discussed tabling a proposed bill on enforced disappearances in the Senate’s next session.

The committee expressed dismay that, despite being a key stakeholder, the defence ministry did not come up with recommendations for the proposed legislation. “Instead, we were directed not to proceed with the bill unless an NOC from the defence ministry was obtained,” said Farhatullah Babar. “This is the mindset which has never changed. That’s why they use commanding language for the committee,” noted Babar.



It took 18 months to draft the bill, it cannot wait any more and would be tabled in the coming session, he added. “We think that it will help our security agencies if there will be a well-defined law about the missing persons,” he added.

The committee chairman Afrasiab Khattak said that the legislation on enforced disappearances would be in the interest of the security agencies as it would save them from accusations.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed said that the draft bill should be brought in the house without any delay.

Senator Surriya Amiruddin said the families of missing people have been protesting on the roads since long and it was about time that the government resolves this issue.

Senator Sardar Khan suggested making it mandatory for law enforcing agencies to produce arrested persons before the courts within stipulated time.

A representative of law ministry Hakeem Khan said that the ministry did not have any objection over the draft bill. Every trial should follow the due process of law, Hakeem Khan said.

The committee also asked the government to revive the ministry of human rights, which was converted into a department.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6th, 2013.

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