MNAs express concern over acid throwing incidents on women
ISLAMABAD (January 22 2009): The members in the National Assembly on Wednesday expressed serious concerns over the incidents of acid throwing on women and asked the government to ensure bringing the responsible elements to justice. The members were speaking on a calling attention notice moved by treasury members inviting the attention of Interior Minister towards the increasing incidents of acid throwing on women throughout the country, causing grave concern amongst the public.
Responding to the notice, State Minister for Interior Affairs Tasneem Qureshi said that the unfortunate incidents of acid throwing over women have been decreased up to ten percent as compared to the previous year.
Giving details, he said as against 19 cases in 2007, seventeen cases of acid throwing on women were reported in 2008. He said that the ministry is making utmost efforts to check such heinous acts and centre has been established to control such crimes. Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Information Sherry Rehman said there was zero tolerance for heinous crimes against women and a Bill on the subject is already under consideration by the Standing Committee concerned of the House. She said a Burn Unit is being established at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad.
Referring to acid throwing on a woman from Shikarpur in Sindh, the Information Minister said an FIR has been registered against the culprit who is at large. The father and brother of the culprits have been taken in the custody of the police to apprehend the culprit. She said private television channels have agreed to screen photograph of the culprit to facilitate his arrest.
Earlier, the member including Shakeela Khanam, Dr Azra Pechuho, Nafisa Shah and Yasmeen while speaking on the calling attention expressed serious concerns over the said incidents and urged the government to take concrete measures to stop this heinous crime.
Marvi Memon of PML-Q invited the attention of the House towards the irregularities and nepotism is being taking place in Ziarat in the relief and rehabilitation activities of earthquake affected people. She said that the affectees are given bounced cheques. She also blamed the provincial government for providing incomplete information to the centre. Speaker asked the government to take immediate action in this regard and ensure provision of relief to the earthquake affected people.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:1/22/2009
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