ISLAMABAD: The Senate’s Standing Committee on Interior on Monday passed a resolution to condemn US Congressman Ted Poe for his anti-Pakistan bill.
The body urged the Foreign Office to take up the issue with the US Embassy.
The resolution was presented by Committee Chairman Rehman Malik.
Malik said Pakistan’s sacrifices in war against terrorism were more than any country, yet elements like Ted Poe were undermining Pakistan’s role.
The body was briefed by State Minister for Interior Balighur Rehman, additional secretary Interior Ministry, FIA Director Mazarul Haq Kakakhel, chairman PTA, NADRA DG and SSP Traffic Malik Matloob Hussain.
The resolution stated, “The Committee strongly condemns the US Congressman Ted Poe biased affiliation with Indian and his recent Anti-Pakistan Bill to undermine the stance of Pakistan on war against terror, as Pakistan has been an ally in war against terror and has sacrificed more than any other country in the world. This resolution may be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to lodge a protest before the US Embassy in Pakistan to place before the President of United States to reject this Anti-Pakistan Bill.”
The committee condemned the latest blasphemous posts and materials being spread on the social media.
The committee also took serious notice of harassment of women workers in PTV and NADRA. PTV anchors Tanzeela Mazhar and Yashfeen Jamal had complained to the committee chairman against Agha Masood Shorish, who they claimed, made alleged sexual advances towards them.
Malik directed the FIA to initiate an inquiry into the issue and submit a report in two weeks. Regarding the harassment of NADRA employee Syeda Shaheen Bukhari, the committee directed NADRA officials to brief the committee in the next meeting.
The Control of Narcotics Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2017 introduced by Senator Tanvir Khan on 13 February 2017 was put before the committee. The committee directed the Anti-Narcotics Force to submit a report indicating their problems, difficulties and needs. The committee also directed that the Interior Ministry and ANF should have their own advocate general.
The chairman directed the ANF to hold a seminar to strategise future course of action. The Narcotics Control secretary sught two months for the arrangements.
The code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2017 introduced by Senator Azam Swati, said that no women should be arrested in petty crimes and without warrant. Malik said that all citizens are equal in front of law and there should not be any discrimination on the basis of gender. He said such flexibility in law will increase the chance of using women in terrorism and other crimes. The bill was differed for time being.
