government to enact necessary legislation to resolve the problem of missing persons

National Assembly 14 march

The National Assembly has adopted a resolution recommending to the government to enact necessary legislation to resolve the problem of missing persons and a comprehensive framework of law to regulate role and functioning of intelligence agencies.

            The resolution moved by Zahid Hamid on behalf all members of PML [N], authorizes the Speaker to constitute a committee in consultation with Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition with equal representation from both sides to monitor progress in this regard and submit its recommendations in two months.

            The resolution expressed concern over the plight of the families of missing persons who are missing for a long period without any intimation as to their whereabouts. It said the issue is tarnishing image and reputation of the security agencies both at home and abroad notwithstanding their contribution and sacrifices in the defence and security of Pakistan.

            It called upon the government to ensure prevalence of rule of law and implement without further delay observations of the Supreme Court and recommendations of the commission of inquiry on enforced disappearances.

            Leader of the Opposition Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan congratulated the House on passage of the resolution and said by doing so the Assembly as raised its voice for people in distress. He said now we have the challenge to enact a law for the purpose as envisaged in the resolution. He said we should account for each and every missing person.