Senate condemns brutal violence in Kashmir

Asks international community to take notice of atrocities of Indian force

ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Monday unanimously passed a resolution, condemning the extra-judicial killings of Kashmiri Muslims in Indian Occupied Kashmir.

“The house calls upon the international human rights organisations, United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and international community to take notice of the atrocities as well as appropriate steps to stop them,” read the resolution moved by PML-Q Senator Mushahid Husain Sayed.

It expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri’s and demanded the UN to implement its resolutions on Kashmir without any further delay and to take effective steps for a plebiscite in Kashmir.

Furthermore, the resolution urged the government to highlight the matter on all international forums and take all-out possible measures at diplomatic level to resolve the Kashmir issue.

The Senate also adopted a resolution to pay tribute to Abdul Sattar Edhi. Members from different political parties paid homage to Edhi, remembering his services to humanity.

Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani informed the house that  House Business Advisory Committee (HBAC) has decided to declare July 8 as Edhi Day.

“The HBAC has decided that every senator would contribute Rs20,000 to help Edhi Foundation purchase four ambulances at provincial headquarters,” he added.

Lawmakers suggested dedicating chapters on Edhi in the national curriculum and a construction of a national monument.

The house rejected the National Accountability (Amendment) Bill moved by PPP’s Taj Haider.  It sought to delete from the National Accountability Ordinance provisions extending jurisdiction of NAB in departments of provincial governments.

“The 18th amendment of the Constitution provides for greater autonomy of the federating units. The subject of anti-corruption is a residuary subject,” said the statement of objects and reasons of the bill.

In yet another resolution sponsored by the PPP Senator Saeed Ghani and the PML-N Senator Mohsin Aziz, the house acknowledged the contribution of the late legendary qawwal Amjad Sabri .

Published in The Express Tribune, July 19^th, 2016.