Sindh Assembly adopts resolution supporting DNA tests as evidence in rape cases

Resolution was also adopted on ensuring uninterrupted power supply to Karachi.

KARACHI: Sindh Assembly adopted a resolution on Tuesday making it mandatory to accept DNA test results as primary evidence in rape cases and asked the provincial government to bear the related expenses of the victim.

The resolution was moved by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MPA Sharmila Farooqi, and was supported by members of various parties present.

Farooqi said that the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) had declared that DNA test was not acceptable as primary evidence in the cases of rape, but later the Supreme Court ruled that it was.

"We request the provincial government to bear the expenses of the victims who cannot afford the tests themselves," said Farooqi.

Mehtab Akbar Rashdi of Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) lauded the resolution and said it will allow justice to be served.

MPAs from Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) suggested that a special counter be made in all public hospitals to deal with DNA tests of rape cases.

Uninterrupted supply of electricity

A resolution was also adopted pertaining to the decision of Chairman Senate, Standing Committee on Water and Power to stop 650 MW of power supply to Karachi. The resolution demanded that uninterrupted power supply be ensured in the city.

“We will register our protest in the upcoming meeting of Council of Common Interests (CCI). The new government is violating the constitutional rights of Sindh and defying the law by not providing the province with its due share of gas supply and diverting electricity supply from Karachi to Punjab,” said Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MPA Hafeezuddin had submitted an adjournment motion, requesting Speaker Shehla Raza to discuss the matter.

Shah asked the members to adopt the resolution so that the matter could be broached in the upcoming CCI meeting.

“71 per cent of the total gas production comes from Sindh, but federal bureaucracy is not giving us our due share. We will protest at every forum for our right,” he said.

MQM MPA Khalid Ahmed moved the resolution which was passed by all the members including PML-N members and its coalition partners in Sindh.

Chashma Jehlum Link canal

Sindh Assembly adopted another resolution condemning the decision of Punjab government to divert Sindh's water share from River Indus by opening flood canals.

“People are suffering from severe water shortage in lower Sindh and  Punjab government has opened the Chashma Jehlum Link canal and Tunsa Panjnad Canal, which is illegal and against the law,” the members maintained.

Moving the resolution, the members of PPP, MQM, PML-N and PML- F requested the federal government to intervene.

“Chashma Jehlum Link canal and Tunsa Panjnad Canal were meant to divert surplus water during the flood season, but it's being diverted throughout the year," said Jam Khan Shoro.