Malik promises to expose elements behind the torture of Umar Cheema
By Asim Yasin
ISLAMABAD: The torture and humiliation of Umar Cheema, correspondent of The News finally got the attention of the National Assembly through a call attention notice, where Interior Minister Rehman Malik assured the house that a joint investigation team (JIT) and a judicial commission were investigating the kidnapping and torture issue and those involved in this despicable act would be unearthed and brought to book.
The PML-N legislators had moved a calling attention notice in the National Assembly on kidnapping and thrashing of Umar Cheema, a correspondent of The News. The call attention notice was given by Barjees Tahir, Muhammad Balighur Rehman, Raja Muhammad Asad Khan, Khalida Mansoor and Surraiya Asghar. The minister made a commitment in the house that no stone would be left unturned in exposing the culprits involved in this crime. “We will apply all the tools to uncover those who were involved in the incident and we will reach criminals through available evidence,” he added.
He said any citizen providing reliable information regarding the culprits involved in this crime will be given reward money of Rs2.5 million. He said the inquiry report of the judicial commission and the joint investigation committee will be made public. He said it was first time that one person from the Jang Group was also part of the JIT as well as Cheema was allowed to sit in the proceedings of the JIT.
However, when PML-N legislator Raja Asad pointed out a specific agency saying another journalist of the electronic media had accused the agency of attacking his house. However Interior Minister Rehman Malik did not agree with him saying, “One should avoid accusing the agencies without any proof and if they have anything solid they should bring it out. He said no agency should be accused without a proof as our agencies and police are doing their work within the parameters of law.”
Responding to another query, Malik said the government was ready to provide security to any journalist who would ask for it. He said when renowned journalist Ansar Abbassi was receiving threats, he had declined to accept security offer.
Source: The News
Date:9/24/2010
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