Those involved in Hayat Baloch’s murder should be punished: Shireen Mazari

Minister says strict SOPs should be in place to ensure such an incident does not occur again

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari on Friday said those involved in Hayat Baloch’s murder should be punished.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Mazari strongly condemned the killing of the Baloch youth and said that there should strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place to ensure that such an incident does not occur again, especially in Balochistan where there is already a great sense of deprivation.

“Progress has been made in Hayat Baloch’s case,” the minister said. “FC officials involved in the murder have been arrested and a case has been registered. IGFC South has visited the house of the family and assured justice.”

She further said that "we must acknowledge that the atmosphere is changing and will continue to change".

“Such violence and killing of any citizen across the country, including in Balochistan and its tribal districts, is unacceptable in a democratic country,” she said. “The killers of Hayat Baloch must be punished," reiterated the human rights minister. 

On August 20, Home Minister Mir Zia Langove said that Frontier Corps (FC) personnel involved in the murder of Hayat had been taken into custody and handed over to the police.

The minister claimed that justice prevailed in the case of Hayat Baloch as killers of the innocent boy were arrested from the crime scene and handed over to the regional police from FC authorities.

“IG FC South met the deceased family and assured solidarity with them. It is not appropriate to blame the entire institution. Security forces have been performing their role with full dedication and devotion in the province.”