News
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Govt mulls approaching UN on drone attacks, civilian deaths* NA told govt considering to move UN Special Rapporteur on extra-judicial killings over casualties in drone strikes
* Bill seeking death penalty for child molesters introduced in NA
By Tanveer Ahmed
ISLAMABAD: The government is considering moving a special rapporteur on extra-judicial killing in the United Nations over drone strikes in Pakistan and ensuing casualties in attacks, Adviser to Prime Minister on Human Rights Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar informed the National Assembly on Tuesday.
The adviser told the House that the data on drone strikes and casualties caused by these attacks was being compiled to send it to the UN’s special rappoteur. The session is debating the human rights condition in the country on a motion moved by the lawmakers belonging to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Being a private members day, the House also took up some legislative business; however, most of the time was consumed on points of order raised by the members. One key bill related to child molestation was introduced in the House seeking the persons involved in such heinous crimes with exemplary punishment.
The bill introduces insertion of new sections in Act XLV of 1860 providing death punishment for whoever molests or sexually abuses an underage child.
MNA Noman Sheikh, on behalf of the chairman of the Standing Committee of the House on Foreign Affairs, Asfandyar Wali, presented the report of Preservation, Protection and Assertion of Sovereignty of Pakistan Bill 2010 in the House.
Responding to points raised by the PML-N members on bad human rights situation in the country by blaming the federal government, the adviser came up with the figures reflecting the province-wise crime rate in the country with province of Punjab leading in various crimes.
Khokhar pointed out that Punjab recorded highest murder rate with 6,242 murders in 2010 alone, Sindh with 3,290, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 2,501, and Balochistan 548.
In vehicle snatching and theft cases, Punjab was far ahead of the other provinces with 24,512 cases, Sindh 10,946, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 811, and Balochistan 820 registered cases.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk