Islamabad: The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights has called for immediate legal action following the fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) nursery, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of 14 newborns. Additionally, the committee urged swift compensation for victims of the Jaranwala incidents. These directives were issued during a committee meeting held at the Parliament Lodges under the leadership of Chairperson Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the PIMS fire incident. Committee Chairperson Zehri questioned PIMS officials about the delay in filing an FIR, which Dr. Iqbal Durrani confirmed had not yet been registered. Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan raised concerns about the inaction despite the Prime Minister’s orders to terminate responsible employees and proceed with criminal cases.

The committee’s agenda also included the Jaranwala incident from August 16, 2023. It was noted that 389 arrests have been made, and ongoing trials are addressing the cases. Chairperson Zehri stressed the importance of resolving these matters urgently, given their impact on minority communities. Compensation assessments for affected families are underway, with Rs. 2 million allocated to each family, though concerns remain about whether this adequately covers their losses.

In other matters, the committee reviewed the dismissal of Mr. Zeeshan, a sanitary worker, and the target killing case of Ahmed Javed. The committee recommended preventive measures against intimidation in court cases and addressed concerns about the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency’s handling of online threats.

Senator Qurat-ul-Ain Marri emphasized the need for a permanent rehabilitation center for child beggars in Islamabad, while Senator Aimal Wali Khan highlighted the organized nature of child begging across the country. The committee directed that existing facilities not be vacated until new arrangements are made.

Further cases, such as the Hina Javed and Hina Zareef incidents, were discussed, with the committee demanding comprehensive reports and accountability for police actions. The Additional IG, Sindh, provided updates on the Mir Raza case, revealing procedural failures and subsequent suspensions of police officers involved.

The committee has requested detailed reports and documents from relevant departments to ensure thorough examination and action on these issues.