HRCP goes to Sindh CM over use of girls to settle dispute
KARACHI: A delegation of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan headed by Iqbal Haider called on the Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah at Chief Minister House on Thursday to discuss a jirga.
The delegation shared a copy of their policy statement on critical issues for human rights. It also expressed concern that 15 under-age girls were used to settle a tribal dispute through a jirga in Chach village, Kashmore-Kandhkot. The HRCP delegates demanded that the provincial government take immediate action against all those responsible for the illegal and inhuman decisions and ensure the immediate release of the small girls. According to a press release issued by the HRCP, it has been holding consultations on human rights issues. With a new democratically elected government in power, the HRCP believes it is time to share concerns and proposals with political leaders, it added.
According to an official handout issued from Chief Minister House, the delegation members apprised the chief minister about various issues, problems and atrocities being committed in violation of human rights in the province. Iqbal Haider emphasized that the Pakistan Peoples Party had always supported issues and problems of the common peson, and Benazir Bhutto had fully endorsed the struggle of the human rights commission in Pakistan, and always cooperated and helped in its progress and problems.
The chief minister appreciated the efforts of the HRCP. He assured that issues would be given priority.
The HRCP stressed:
The government of Pakistan should become a party to the UN Covenant on Civil and Political rights, ratify the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as well as the UN Convention on Involuntary Disappearances and the Convention against Torture.
Over 1.5 million internally displaced people are in a dire state in Pakistan. The government must extend humanitarian assistance to all IDPs and seek for this the co-operation and assistance of the UNHCR. At the earliest opportunity, Parliament should set up a permanent and independent Election Commission and disassociate sitting judges from the electoral process.
The judiciary must be restored to the position of 2 November and all criteria of independence of the judiciary be adopted, so that the selection and accountability of judges can be made transparent.
There are thousands of Pakistani prisoners in foreign jails. Over 10,000 are in Gulf countries alone. We urge the government to depute a human rights officer in missions in countries where Pakistani prisoners are suffering.
Source: Daily Times
Date:6/6/2008
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