Senate panel seeks details of persons detained under blasphemy law

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights has sought details of persons detained under the blasphemy law at the next meeting.

The committee, chaired by Senator Walid Iqbal, also asked the National Commission of Human Rights (NCHR) for a subsequent briefing on bail as a matter of right for innumerable women who are presently under trial and being held in jail.

The committee adopted the recommendation to establish a National Coordination Committee within the Ministry of Human Rights, which would include representatives from all provinces, police departments, and draft standard operating procedures (SOPs) for effective control of issues causing suffering to minorities.

On Tuesday, the Senate Human Rights Committee condemned the recent incident of vandalism of churches and homes in Jaranwala and discussed steps taken for the rehabilitation of the destroyed buildings and affected people.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights argued that since the enactment of the 18th amendment, the implementation of safeguards and protection for minorities has devolved to the provinces. However, the ministry still plays a crucial role and should collaborate efficiently with relevant stakeholders, including the police department, religious leaders, and minority representatives, to formulate SOPs by police inspector generals.

Two blasphemy accused arrested after mob burns churches

The committee adopted the recommendation for the constitution of the National Coordination Committee, emphasizing the importance of impartiality, sensitivity, and swift action to prevent escalation.

Senator Irfanul Haq Siddiqui contended that the recommendations presented by the Ministry of Human Rights largely pertain to law enforcement agencies. However, it is more about dealing with primitive measures and the mindset of the people. He added that the public should be sensitized to tolerance and democratic norms.

The committee observed that such incidents invariably arise due to personal enmity and result in widespread destruction, and noted that the same appeared to be the case in the matter at hand.

Senator Seemee Ezdi, while reviewing the findings of the NCHR, stated that no concrete solution to the matter could be seen, but only the rapid eradication of the minority community. She stressed the need to place curbs and checks on the abuse of the blasphemy law.

Khalil George, the caretaker Federal Minister for Human Rights, who joined the meeting somewhat belatedly after the committee expressed concern about his absence, particularly since this was its first meeting since he took office, said that he had personally checked the on-ground situation several times, and yet the affected had not been fully accommodated.

He mentioned that there is still a significant lack of communication within the local community, resulting in the non-provision of essential items such as food. He emphasized that the matter would remain a priority until the community is fully equipped and aided.

The committee also inquired from the minister whether he was satisfied with the state of enforcement of human rights in the country as guaranteed by the Constitution, and he responded that while there was room for improvement, all of us should play our respective parts toward that end.

The committee repeatedly expressed concern about the abuse of blasphemy laws to settle personal scores and noted that incidents like Jaranwala are a great shame for the nation.

The committee meeting was abruptly adjourned as per parliamentary tradition due to the news of the sudden death of Senator Rana Maqbool Ahmed.

The committee expressed its deep sorrow over the sudden death of Senator Rana Maqbool Ahmed and offered Fateha. The committee unanimously passed a condolence resolution in honor of the deceased senator.

The meeting was also attended by Senator Prof Mehr Taj Roghani, Senator Dr. Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, Senator Mushahid Hussain, Senator Abida Muhammad Azeem, Senator Muhammad Tahir Bizinjo, Senator Falak Naz, Senator Quratul Ain Marri, and other senior officers of the ministry and relevant departments.