Protection of minorities: AGP seeks progress report from ministries on implementing SC order

Letters by deputy AGP urges ministries to file their reports immediately

ISLAMABAD: Letters have been dispatched to various ministries from the office of the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) seeking progress reports regarding implementation of the Supreme Court’s June 19 judgment pertaining to protection of minorities’ rights in the country.

An official of the AGP office told The Express Tribune that in letters written by Deputy AGP Sohail Mahmood, details have been sought from relevant ministries regarding measures that they have taken for the implementation of the court’s ruling.

“Since the matter is likely to be fixed [for hearing] in the near future, therefore, the representatives of ministries should send their reports immediately,” reads the AGP’s letter.

The Supreme Court had on Monday had sent reminders to the PM, provincial chief ministers and chief secretaries, the law ministry, establishment division, IGs and others to submit their reports regarding measures taken for the implementation of its ruling.

Similarly, Justice Helpline — an NGO whose petition had led to the suo motu notice — is expected to file its own plea over the non-implementation of court orders.

Earlier this year, former chief justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani had initiated suo motu proceedings after receiving a letter from Justice Helpline regarding the suicide attack on the All Saints Church in Peshawar in which 81 people were killed.

The apex court in its ruling had asked the federal government to constitute a national council for minorities’ rights.

Announcing a potentially landmark judgement on minorities’ rights, the Supreme Court also asked the government to form a special task force for the protection of worship places of minorities.

“A special police force be established with professional training to protect the places of worship of minorities,” said the 32- page judgment, authored by then CJP Jillani.

The judgment read that in all cases of violation of any of the rights guaranteed under the law or desecration of the places of worship of minorities, the LEAs concerned should promptly take action, which also included the registration of criminal cases against the offenders.

Moreover, the apex court asked to develop appropriate curricula at school and college level to promote the religious tolerance in the country, as well as to take appropriate steps to ensure that hate speeches in social media are discouraged and the delinquents are brought to justice under the law.