Ijaz Kakakhel Islamabad
A legislative body of Upper House of Parliament on Monday directed the relevant authorities to give protection to the widow of Nazim Jokhio (late) and also summoned IG Sindh in the next round of the meeting in Jokhio murder case.
The Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, which held on Monday in parliament house, also directed that IG Sindh should be present in the next meeting and weekly progress report shall be submitted before the Committee about the killing of Nazim Jokhio in Thatta (Sindh). The Committee also agreed to constitute a fact-finding committee of Senators to probe the matter.
While talking out the Nazim Jokhio murder case, the mover, Senator Saifullah Abro apprised the committee that initially, Afzal Jokhio (brother of Nazim Jokhio) had nominated MPA Awais and MNA Jam Abdul Karim for being involved in the murder of the 27-year-old victim, who had earned the ire of the influential when tried to prevent their guests from hunting in Thatta district. The committee members expressed displeasure over the non-participation of IG Sindh in the meeting. He also informed that Nazim’s widow was receiving threats from the opponents and requested to pen a letter for ensuring the protection of the widow.
Senator Mushtaq was of the view that the state should come forward and become a plaintiff in this case and urged not to go for any compensation with the felons in this case. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed while expressing serious reservations said “What happening in Sindh police is an eye-opener”. He also called for detailed discussion in the house on cases of torture, kidnapping, target killing and other human rights issues.
The representative of Sindh Police acquainted that the Challans had been issued to MNA Jam Abdul Karim and MPA Awais. They also informed that Nazim’s brother, a plaintiff had stepped back from the case. Minister of Human Rights, Sherry Mazari lamented that if MNA Jam Abdul Karim fled to Dubai then he can also be brought back through Interpol. After detailed deliberation that lasted for more than 70mins, the committee decided to summon IG Sindh police in the next meeting. It was also directed to give protection to the widow of Nazim Jokhio and the formation of the fact-finding committee to probe the matter.
The Committee on Human Rights has reviewed progress in several recent incidents of murder, kidnapping and target killing in various parts of the country. The Committee took up the cases of target killing of a media person and social activist in Malakand (KP), the alleged target killing of social activist Sheeba Gul and her father in Malakand (KP) by land grabbers, the alleged murder of an innocent woman Rabia in Swabi (KP), alleged kidnapping of two university students in Balochistan and target killing of Sikh Hakeem Sardar Satnam Singh. Due to some official engagement of the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Walid Iqbal, the Chair was taken over by Senator Tahir Bizinjo.
