- Interior minister says execution of Shafqat Hussain halted
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Wednesday said that it is the state’s responsibility to ensure that no innocent man is hanged by the courts.
Speaking to reporters about the 21st Constitutional Amendment in the federal capital, Nisar said, “While it is the state’s responsibility that no one guilty of terrorism should be excused, it is also our responsibility that no innocent man is hanged,” said Nisar. He added that the pending death sentences would be dealt with soon.
Responding to international criticism regarding death penalties in Pakistan, Nisar stated, “We will do whatever is in the best interest of Pakistan. This law is in the US, India, and Japan, as well, why don’t they express their reservations there?”
He further stated that the masses should also play their role in countering terrorism in Pakistan, and that the toll-free counter-terrorism hotline is not a joke.
He said that there should be no misconception and that the war is not over, and that according to the National Action Plan (NAP), intelligence based operations are being pursued.
At an earlier meeting, Nisar had expressed displeasure over the response of the provincial law enforcement authorities regarding the implementation of NAP and warned officials to take the task seriously.
Chairing a high level meeting at the interior ministry, which reviewed the NAP, Nisar, directed police and security agencies officials to adopt a proactive approach on counter-terrorism as the country is in a state of war.
Officials from National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Federal Capital Police, National Crisis Management Cell, and other intelligence agencies, along with officials from provincial home departments, attended the meeting.
Although senior officials wanted to give a presentation, they were stopped by the interior minister, who asked them to provide him with concrete results over the NAP implementation, which in turn embarrassed the officials.
Financial support to religious institutions from various sources also came under discussion.
According to reports, Nisar directed officials to complete the process of tracing funding to seminaries and submit a report for action.
Feedback on the National Toll-free Counter-terrorism Helpline also came under discussion. The minister directed concerned officials to streamline the system and detect fake callers.
Execution of Shafqat Hussain halted
Meanwhile, Nisar also explained the reasons behind Shafqat Hussain’s execution behind halted.
Nisar told reporters that the execution had been halted, as a decision regarding Shafqat Hussain’s age had to be made. He further informed that a DNA test was being conducted to determine Shafqat’s age.
Nisar said the case was 10-12 years old and Shafqat’s appeals had been dismissed by the Supreme Court while the death warrant had also been issued. The interior minister added that the decision to evaluate the case was taken after he had received a letter from civil society and because of the international outcry over the issue.
“The interior ministry has issued directives to the provincial government that for the time being the execution should be halted,” said Nisar.
Charged when he was 14 for involuntary manslaughter, Shafqat Hussain was due to be executed on January 14, 2015.
The interior minister further said that executions of other inmates on death row would proceed swiftly.
