According to the Salim Shahzad Murder Commission’s report, killers of the slain journalist could not be traced so far but police and law enforcement agencies have been directed to continue investigation into the matter, Federal Information Minister Dr Firdous Aashiq Awan said on Thursday.
Talking to journalists outside the Parliament House, the minister said that the commission’s report would be made public today (Friday), as it would be uploaded on the ministry’s website. Firdous said that the report was being made public on Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani’s directions, adding that the PM had made the information ministry as the focal ministry for implementation of the commission’s recommendations. She said that the commission had recommended Rs 3 million grant to Salim’s widow, a job for her in a government educational institution near her residence and free education of her children up to graduation.
The minister said, “The terminated employee of the Associated Press of Pakistan would be reinstated, as the Pakistan People’s Party believed in providing jobs to people.” The commission had submitted its report to the PM on last Tuesday. The commission continued its proceedings from June 27, 2011 to January 9 and held around 23 meetings besides a number of meetings to probe into certain aspects in the course of inquiry. The commission called for evidence through public notice in the media and examined a large number of witnesses. The commission also invited suggestions from various people related to the subject.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalist (PFUJ) President and commission’s member Pervaiz Shaukat told APP that the commission finalised its report in six months after interviews of 41 people. He said that the federal government had assured us to take action in accordance with findings of the commission.
