Sindh Chief Secretary Muhammad Siddique Memon on Wednesday told the Sindh High Court (SHC) that the government was ready to form an independent commission to probe unabated deaths in drought-hit Tharparkar.
Headed by Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, the SHC bench was hearing the petition filed by Pakistan Institute of Labour Education & Research (PILER) who requested the court to direct the authorities concerned for taking immediate measures to deal with situation in Thar.
Earlier, the petitioner moved a contempt application against the chief secretary for forming a judicial commission against the court’s order which sought only suggestions regarding mandate of the commission. In Wednesday’s hearing, the Sindh chief secretary along secretaries health, special initiative and livestock and senior member board of revenue appeared before the court and submitted the details of efforts made by the provincial government to improve living condition at Thar.
The petitioner’s counsel, Faisal Siddique, submitted that he would also address a letter to chief secretary in a day or two for suggesting the names of the persons of repute of his consideration for the members of commission. The chief secretary said such suggestion would be welcomed. The court directed chief secretary to furnish the names of members of the commission on the next hearing scheduled for 17th. “The mandate of a commission and period in which it has to report will also be furnished at the next hearing,” the court directed. The contempt application was not pressed by the petitioner which was dismissed by the court.
TWO ACCUSED REMANDED TO POLICE
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Wednesday handed two suspects over to police on four-day physical remand in attempt to murder, encounter and illicit weapons possession cases.
The police produced Sahibzada and Naseebzada before the administrative judge of ATC amid tight security.
The investigation officer requested the court for remand of the accused in police custody as they were required for interrogation. While accepting the IO’s request, the judge handed the suspects over to police on physical remand.
According to police, the suspects were arrested by them after an encounter near the post office of DHA on 1st March 2016. The area police were on routine patrolling when they stopped the suspects for checking who opened fire at them. The police retaliated and arrested both the accused after exchange of fire.
The law enforcers also claimed to have recovered weapons without license which include one rifle and a pistol from accused possession. The case was registered at Defense Police Station under sections 353, 324 and 34 of Pakistan Penal Code and 23IA (Sindh Arms Act) read with section 7 of Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.