ISLAMABAD:
The Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights on Tuesday expressed anger over alleged institutional failures in several cases, including the deaths of 14 newborn babies at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims).
The committee, chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, directed authorities to immediately register a first information report (FIR) in the Pims tragedy and recommended placing the names of the former Pims executive director and other responsible officials on the Exit Control List (ECL). It also directed that the assets of those responsible be attached to the cases.
During the meeting, the committee sought explanations from the Pims administration and the Ministry of Health over the deaths of newborn babies. Pims Joint Executive Director Dr Iqbal Durrani appeared before the committee.
The chairperson questioned why the executive director had not attended the previous meeting and asked what action had been taken on the recommendations of the inquiry committee constituted to investigate the tragedy.
Expressing deep anguish, Zehri said: “Do you realise what a mother goes through? You are a doctor, but perhaps you cannot understand this pain. I am a mother and I have gone through this pain.” The committee asked what action had been taken against officials who were suspended following the incident. Ministry of Health officials said a letter had been sent to the Ministry of Interior.
The chairperson questioned why an FIR had still not been registered despite the deaths of 14 children. She asked what action had been taken against officials allegedly responsible for criminal negligence.
Senator Abid Sher Ali severely criticised the Pims administration, saying the institution received billions of rupees in funding. Calling the situation a matter of shame, Ali demanded that the properties of those responsible be attached to the case and their assets sealed.
“Taking revenge for the killing of these children is our responsibility,” he said, adding that there was neither reward nor punishment, nor any functioning system in the country.
Senator Aimal Wali Khan pressed police officials over the FIR. He then questioned why an FIR could not be registered against unidentified persons in the case when such FIRs could be lodged in other cases. “Where should the public go?” he asked.
Khan also suggested summoning the former Pims executive director before the committee and, if necessary, issuing warrants for his appearance. JUI-F Senator Atta-ul-Haq Darvesh also called for immediate registration of an FIR against the government over the PIMS tragedy.
The committee subsequently directed authorities to register an FIR immediately, place the names of the former executive director PIMS and all other responsible persons on the ECL, and attach the assets of the accused to the relevant cases.
Mir Raza murder case
The committee also examined the Mir Raza murder case and grilled Sindh police officials over their handling of the investigation. Members reminded the police that they had worn uniforms to protect people rather than to simply comply with influential individuals.
They questioned what action had been taken against those who allegedly submitted an incorrect report in the case. Sindh police officials maintained that the family had been provided full cooperation and that there had been no pressure on police regarding the investigation.
Hina Javed murder
The committee was also briefed on the murder of Hina Javed by the CPO Rawalpindi. The CPO said a forensic team had been called immediately after the incident and all available evidence was collected scientifically. A prosecution team had been associated with the case from the beginning, while a supervisory team had also been constituted.
According to the CPO, police had remained in contact with the victim’s family from the first day. The crime scene was examined, but there was no eyewitness to the incident. DNA tests were also being conducted, while 19 pieces of evidence had been collected and sent for forensic examination.
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