Opposition asks who is killing Sindhi nationalists

Deputy speaker says she received four resolutions on the missing persons issue

KARACHI: Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) MPA Mehtab Akbar Rashdi took up the issue of enforced disappearances and killings of Sindhi nationalists.

"Today, the world is observing International Human Rights Day, and Sindh is receiving mutilated bodies of university students," she said. "We appreciate that the chief minister discussed this issue with the federal government. Please, take a bold step and tell us who is responsible for killing Sindh's youth."

Deputy Speaker Shehla Raza informed the House that she had received four different resolutions on the missing persons and killing of Sindh's political activists. Several MPAs from the treasury and opposition benches wanted to debate on the issue, but Raza let Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) Sattar Rajpar speak first. He moved a resolution condemning the killings and said that Pakistan had signed the International Declaration of Human Rights and should take action against these incidents.



Judicial commission

Dr Sikandar Shoro of PPP presented a resolution which demanded that the assembly forms a judicial commission to investigate the enforced disappearance and killings of Sindh's political workers.

Health minister announces to resign if he fails to deliver

Sindh Health Minister Jam Mehtab Dahar said that he will reform the health sector within the next six months and promised to resign if he failed to deliver. "Nearly 15 years ago, the health department was a hundred times better than its present condition," he said. "The department has further deteriorated in last seven years.  I am man of my word. I will tender my resignation if I cannot deliver in next six months."

Special appearance

The assembly paid rich tribute to Aansoo Kohli, on her visit to assembly and gave her a standing ovation. Aansoo, a young girl who set up her own school which now caters to over 200 students and is the only female in her village who is close to receiving her bachelor's degree this year. She lost one of her legs at just two years of age and has since been dependent on crutches.

Four resolutions were also passed to pay tribute to Sobho Gianchandani, a veteran politician, writer and Marxist leader. Members of the treasury bench announced that a chair would be established in his chair at a university or they would build an institution or park in his name.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11^th, 2014.

Correction: In an earlier version of this story, it was erroneously mentioned that Dr Sikandar Shoro belonged to MQM. The error is regretted.