Members of National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights, on Thursday, expressed concern over the recent violations of human rights including police brutality in Karachi as well as terrorist attacks on Hazara Community in Quetta and on the paramilitary personnel on Makran Coastal Highway.
The committee took cognizance and expressed their apprehension over the persecution against a journalist, Shahzaib Jillani, by the law enforcement agencies.
Panellists tagged these incidents as a violation of fundamental rights, protected under the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari chaired the meeting held in parliament house.
The Committee started with the recitation from the Holy Quran and offered Fateha for the victims and martyrs of the recent terrorist attacks in Quetta and Makran.
Human Rights Ministry appraised the committee about its working and performance, with a particular focus on its proactive approach; dealing with the review of the existing legislative framework; compliance of international obligations by harmonising domestic laws and coordination with the provincial governments.
The ministry also briefed regarding its initiative of Benazir Shelter Home in Islamabad while talking about its problems regarding resources and funds available to outreach the victims of human rights violation.
The Committee undertook discussion and decided to defer ” The ICT Rights of Persons with Disability Bill, 2018″ moved by the ministry and ” The National Commission on the Status of Women (Amendment) Bill, 2018″ moved by a member of National Assembly, Aliya Kamran, till its next meeting for further deliberations. Former senator, Farhatullah Babar, was also recommended to be requested to attend the meetings as a special invitee.
Others present on the occasion included Ghulam Bibi Bharwana, Saif Ur Rehman, Atta Ullah, Ghazala Saifi, Rukhsana Naveed, Zille Huma, Fouzia Behram, Tashfeen Safdar, Shunila Ruth, Agha Hassan Baloch, Shaista Pervaiz, Muhammad Daha Khan, Abdul Rehman Khan Khanju, Zaib Jaffar, Shazia Marri, Dr Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto, James Iqbal, Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari and officers of Human Rights Ministry.
