PA unanimously passes resolution against Indian aggression

Minister for minorities clarifies new bill does not aim to control church property

LAHORE: The treasury and opposition benches seemed to be on the same page for once as the house unanimously passed a resolution against Indian aggression in Occupied Kashmir.

The resolution was moved by opposition leader Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed.

During proceedings, Mehmood said he was deeply disturbed by the recent violence in Kashmir and demanded the removal of the Kashmir Committee chairman. He said the body had failed to take up the matter on the international front.

Legislators from both sides thumped their desks after the resolution was unanimously passed.  It stated that the “house strongly condemned the massacre in Indian-Occupied Kashmir”. The MPAs expressed their sorrow over the loss twelve innocent Kashmiris and Commander Sabzar Bhatt.

The assembly also sent out a message to India, saying Pakistan was standing with Kashmir to ensure the latter’s right to self-determination. It also demanded that the federal government use all its resources to put an end to Indian aggression in Kashmir. The resolution called on the UN and OIC, among other global institutions, to play an affective role.

Opposition leader Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed slammed the Kashmir Committee, saying its performance amounted to “zero”. He suggested that a competent and patriotic person be made its chairman.

He said India was targeting innocent people such as children; some of whom were robbed of their eyesight and even maimed. He added the neighbouring country had made several attempts to ruin Kashmir’s independence movement. He said India was not only increasing pressure, but also building its military in the occupied territory.

The session started at 11:55am, despite a scheduled time of 11am.

On a point of order, Minster for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Khalil Tahir Sindhu clarified that people were merely spreading rumours that he and his colleagues on the treasury benches were introducing a bill through which the government would take control of church properties.

He said the objective of the Shehr-e-Khamoshan Bill was to look after graveyards, but an incorrect impression was being created on social media.

Minority opposition leader Shunila Ruth said the Childrens Hospital and Institute of Child Health in Multan advertised that 83 women doctors were needed at the medical facility, but the differently-abled and minorities was ignored in the recruitment process. She demanded the posts be re-advertised and the said quotas should be included. Sindhu assured her the suggestion would be implemented.

Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan adjourned the session for an indefinite period.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30^th, 2017.