Senate panel demands enhanced security for Chinese citizens

Senate Standing Committee on Interior moves resolution condemning India for stoking terrorism in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi, demanding enhanced security for Chinese citizens across the country.

"We, the members, express our deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives of two policemen and two civilians in the attack and extend condolences and sympathies to the victims’ families," said a resolution unanimously passed by the standing committee on Monday.

Senator Rehman Malik, who was chairing the meeting, presented three resolutions which were unanimously approved. The resolutions condemned the terrorist attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi, blast at Kalaya market in Orakzai and the role of Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in involvement in Balochistan.

The meeting was attended by senators Javed Abbasi, Rana Maqbool Ahmed, Ateeq Shaikh, Haji Momin Khan Afridi, Chaudhry Tanvir Khan, Sardar Muhammad Shafiq Tareen, Senator Sirajul Haq, Capital Development Authority chairman and representatives of ministries of interior, law and justice and CDA.

Senator Malik said, “The committee salutes the martyred policemen ASI Ashraf Dawood and Constable Amir Khan, who sacrificed their lives and stopped the terrorists from entering the Chinese consulate.”

The members highly appreciated the courage and timely response of Sindh police and Rangers, applauding the great professionalism and bravery demonstrated by ASP Suhai Aziz Talpur, who led the operation.

The chairman resolved that such an act of terrorism was against both Pakistan and China and to harm the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

He advised the government to revisit the security plan of Red Zone and Diplomatic Enclave.

The meeting also condemned the deadly terrorist blast at the Kalaya market of lower Orakzai district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on November 23 in which 34 innocent people were martyred and more than 50 injured.

The members expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives and offered heartfelt condolences.

The committee asked the government to take fierce action against the terrorists.

Malik moved a resolution strongly condemning India for being behind terrorism in Pakistan and Balochistan through the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and covert operations. The resolution stated, "The Senate Standing Committee on Interior unanimously condemns the Indian continuous interference in Balochistan. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his minister for interior had threatened Pakistan earlier that they would sort out Pakistan through Balochistan. Attack on Chinese consulate in Karachi was claimed by the BLA, whereas it is being openly supported by India. PM Modi and his government owe an explanation to Pakistan and the international community for their continued support to BLA and other separatists in Balochistan. The Indian government must stop its covert anti-Pakistan operations in Balochistan / Pakistan."

Deliberating over compensations and other emoluments for victims, Senator Rana Maqbool Ahmad suggested that it was imperative that the committee took notice of the government making blank announcements with no further implementation. He mentioned the case of martyred SSP Chaudhary Aslam, asserting that uniformity of compensation was imperative.  Senator Malik directed that all inspector generals and home secretaries might be summoned to review the compensation policy so as to ensure uniformity for all officers and personnel serving at all levels in all provinces.

The committee unanimously decided to move a motion in the house for the constitution of a committee to examine the Terms of Reference for Reconciliation and Truth Commission and to revise numerous national issues, including returning of heavy foreign debts, political victimisation and delay in various constitutional reforms. The committee also authorised Senator Malik to formulate the motion and move it in the house.
The meeting unanimously passed Prohibition of Interest on Private Loans Bill, 2017 and appreciated Senator Sirajul Haq for presenting the bill.

Malik asked the Ministry of Law and Justice and Islamic Ideological Council to ensure further improvement in the bill in consultation with Siraj.

The CDA chairman briefed the committee over the ongoing operation against encroachment.

Malik said the committee was receiving public complaints against the operation.

He said the CDA had shown negligence in the past and some of its officers were involved in allowing encroachments.

Senator Chaudhry Tanvir Khan appreciated the anti-encroachment drive by CDA but asked the authorities to take action under law. (with input from APP)