Commission on missing persons decides to visit Balochistan next week to meet with all relevant stakeholders

ISLAMABAD; NOV 11 (SABAH): The 7th meeting of the Commission constituted in light of the Islamabad High Court’s order to explore the grievances of Baloch students was held here at Parliament House on Friday.

 Member National Assembly, Sardar Akhtar Mengal Chaired the meeting. The meeting deliberated upon the harassment, enforced disappearances and racial profiling of students belonging to the province of Balochistan and stressed for finding out ways to tackle the challenge.

The Commission received a comprehensive briefing from Farkhanda Aurangzeb, Member (Balochistan); National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) regarding the work done by the commission concerning the matter of Missing Persons and performance and achievements of NCHR. She also touched upon the challenges that the NCHR is facing including financial constraints and manpower limitations.

She assured to share available data about missing persons at the earliest opportunity and put forward certain recommendations towards short and long term solution of the issue which were welcomed by the Commission.

The convener of the Commission was informed that under the directions of the Commission, the government of Balochistan has duly notified the establishment of a missing person cell/facilitation desks in each divisional headquarters under respective commissioners to obtain public feedback, register complaints and collect/transmit requisite data to central cell in Ministry of Interior. The Commission expressed displeasure over non-publicizing the details of the missing person cells through electronic and print media by Balochistan government and directed the secretary Commission to convey reservations to chief secretary Balochistan in this regard.

  The Commission decided to visit Balochistan next week to meet with all concern stakeholders. Moreover, it was decided that the Commission will interact with media persons and social activists over the issue during subsequent meetings.

Moreover, to receive complaints and feedback from the public in connection with the issue of missing Baloch students, a dedicated phone/Whatsapp no, fax no and email ID; had been provided to Commission Secretariat through which the complainants can access the Commission as per following details.

Cell no/whatsapp no: 0325-3795858, Fax No: 0519103273, Email ID: Commission@senate.gov.pk, Postal Address: DG Coordination, Senate Secretariat, Room No 332, Parliament House, Constitutional Avenue, Islamabad.