Express News screengrab of MQM MPA Khawaja Izharul Hassan addressing the Sindh Assembly.
MQM MPA Khawaja Izharul Hassan, while addressing the provincial assembly, stated that the ordinance was against the Constitution of Pakistan, the judicial system as well as democracy.
He further added that it was a violation of human rights.
The MQM MPA also said that it was illegal to detain someone for more than 90 days, which is one of the clauses of the new ordinance.
According to the PPO, the security forces can shoot suspects on sight, detain them at secret locations for up to 90 days and carry out raids without search warrants. The law also permits security forces to also carry out secret trials.
MQM representative Faisal Sabzwari, also addressed the Sindh Assembly and expressed serious reservations against the PPO. He said that the security officials have killed innocent people before and was concerned what would happen if the PPO was implemented.
After listening to MQM, Sindh Minister for Information and Local Government Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the resolution should be rephrased.
He said that the resolution should request the government to involve all political parties in the discussion related to change in the law.
Memon further added that he does not have an issue with law enforcement agencies getting more power but this should be done without violation of human rights and within the parameters of the Constitution.
The government, on April 7, managed to get the PPO cleared by the National Assembly. The controversial legislation was enacted through a presidential decree in October last year. To make it a permanent law, it needs to be passed by both houses of parliament.
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I can only say:
Its a common phenomenon around the earth: Powerful leaders of the majority... if not checked... will rule with an iron fist over minorities and silent masses. They will pass any and all laws that give them green light to trample any human rights in the name of total control of all national resources by the selected few.