ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to dispatch small delegations of Cabinet members and parliamentarians abroad to allay concerns of foreign governments on human rights violation as well as interact with the diaspora to sensitize on the gravity of offences committed on May 9, 2023, well-informed sources told Business Recorder. This decision was taken by the Federal Cabinet, in its meeting held on May 24, 2023, which met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair.
These delegations are expected to be sent this summer when a massive influx of tourists is witnessed in European countries.
During the meeting, apprehensions of United States and EU on possible human right violations, especially the trials of civilians in Army Courts, were highlighted. It was clarified that only civilians found involved in attacks on military installations would be tried under the relevant applicable laws in special standing courts and they too would have the right to appeal in the High Courts and Supreme Court.
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Those accused of damaging public property or minor offences would be tried under ATA and PPC, respectively. The Prime Minister revealed his plans to send small delegations of Cabinet members and parliamentarians abroad to allay such concerns.
It was apprised that all federal agencies/entities, including NADRA were providing all out support to the provinces. It was further revealed that all arrests were being made on identification of rioters through CCTV and electronic/social media footages. In compliance with the directions of the Prime Minister, utmost care was being exercised to ensure that no innocent was apprehended and the possibility of political victimization obviated. Out of the total perpetrators identified, 60 to 65 percent have been arrested.
A member suggested that the decisions of the National Security Committee meeting held on 16-05-2023 should be endorsed and the parliamentary resolution condemning the violence during the protests of 9th May, 2023 should be noted by the Cabinet, to which all the members agreed.
The issue of sensitizing foreign governments on gravity of the offences committed on 9th May, 2023, was also discussed in detail. It was suggested that a documentary should be prepared and shared with the diplomatic corps, and MoFA should arrange interactions of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Interior and Law & Justice with Ambassadors of key countries.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2023