NA Panel on Human Rights expresses its serious displeasure on the performance of National Commission on the Status of Women

ISLAMABAD, July 20 (SABAH): The National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights met on Thursday at Parliament House Islamabad under the auspices of Ms. Mehreen Razzaq Bhutto, MNA.

The Standing Committee on Human Rights showed dissatisfaction towards the working of National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) and Provincial Commissions on status of women and issued a displeasure notice to the NCSW because of the prevailing grave situation of women.

The Committee appreciated the Baluchistan Commission on expediting the process to address women issues like water policy and targeting gender component in it. However, the Committee showed displeasure over the lack of preparedness from Sindh Commission and the physical absence of the Secretary, Punjab Commission from the meeting. The Committee directed the NCSW and Provincial Commission’s representatives to submit a comprehensive report on the salaries and perks and privileges of their members. Moreover, the committee recommended to the federal secretary to ensure vacant positions should be filled on the national and provincial levels and play role in elections of or appointment of members and chairpersons.

On the issue of dissatisfaction of the coal miners of District Harnai, Baluchistan on the Agreement executed by them with Frontier Corps and decision of the Cabinet of Baluchistan dated 10-02-2015, the committee expressed displeasure over the condition of coal miners and the prevailing security issues. The committee directed the D.G Baluchistan Mines and Ministry of Interior to submit a report on the issue. Moreover, the copy of tripartite Agreement, the Chairperson showed her concern on the reasons that why the meetings were not conducted since 2015. A comprehensive report on all these issues to be submitted till next meeting.

On the bill to consider, “The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) (Amendment) Bill, 2023” (moved by Ms. Aliya Kamran, MNA); the Honorable mover recommended amendments to change the name from transgender to the intersex and recommended a medical board to consider the sex of the child. Moreover, the right in inheritance, right to vote, education and social well-being of these individuals should also be included in the Bill. However, the Committee directed to hold a meeting on 1st August again with consultations of Law Ministry.

On the agenda, discussion on protection of women & young girls from the abuse, objectification, indecent portrayal in social media apps/entertainment industry and other modern forms of exploitation & violence; causes, consequences & the cure; the FIA representatives informed the Committee that 99 % female complaints are dealt by female officers. The FIA cybercrime wing apprised that the complaint system has been made easier and more female friendly. The Committee appreciated the efforts of FIA regarding cybercrime and bullying. However, the Committee directed that vacant positions should be filled at earliest possible and salary disparity among the National/Provincial Commissions and Secretariat employees should be ended.

Besides the Chairperson Ms. Mehreen Razaq Bhutoo, Ms. Zeb Jaffar, Ms. Shamsun Nisa, Naveed Aamir Jeeva, Ms. Kishwer Zehra, Mohsin Dawar, Qadir Khan Mandokhail, Ms. Shaista Pervaiz Malik, MNAs were also present in the meeting.