Govt criticised for 'lying' about protecting minority rights

Gojra, Joseph Colony culprits ‘still at large’

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights Mustafa Nawaz Khokar on Thursday criticised the government for “often lying on international forums that the country was working to protect the rights of minorities”.

This came during a meeting of the Senate panel at Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) under the chairmanship of Khokar.
Lamenting the tragic incidents of Gojra and Jospeh Colony, the chairman said the culprits had not yet been brought to book despite tall claims.

Khokhar said that culprits behind the Gojra incident in which eight Christians were killed had already been acquitted. This has raised serious question about the country’s police and judicial system that “leaves us only to be felt ashamed,” he added.

“Such instances could only expose the country’s claims at the international level that the government was working to protect the rights of minorities,” he said



Earlier, DSP Gojra briefed the committee about the progress in Gojra incident. He said the main complainant of the case as well as five eyewitnesses had gone abroad, stalling further progress in the case.
In the absence of the complainant and witnesses, the Gojra case had been closed for now. He said the complainant has left for abroad and the police would reopen the case once he returns.

The chairman also sought details from the Director General at the Ministry of Human Rights about the missing persons.

The DG said the report had yet to be finalised as the Ministry of Defence sought another 10 days to compile data regarding enforced disappearances.

“Take 15 days but present the report at all cost,” Khokar directed the official.

The panel was also briefed about the incident of fire at the place of worship of Ahmadi community in Sialkot. Police said that the community wanted to construct a first floor of a building, which they said was their worship place.
The local administration, however, issued notices to them against constructing the first floor. After the notice, the construction work was stopped and the building was sealed.
According to police officials, when the local administration officials reached the place to demolish the building — things got out of control.

Police said the building had now been sealed and efforts were being made to arrest the suspects.

The senate panel also discussed issues pertaining to media censorship and powers behind pressurising journalists. In this regard various suggestions were shared.