SC concerned at unavailability of fundamental rights

KHUDAYAR MOHLA

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed its concern over the unavailability of constitutionally-mandated fundamental rights of a large segment of society in the country.

A two-member bench of Justice Jawwad S Khawaja resumed the hearing of a case in compliance of court’s orders in response to identical petitions that included the plea of Secretary General Jamaat-i-Islami Liaquat Baloch over the availability of flour and other essential items to public at affordable prices.

From the onset of the hearing, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Attique Shah and all the provincial Advocates General offices submitted a report on wheat and flour prices in pursuance of court’s earlier orders in the matter.

The court had constituted a two-member committee comprising Taufique Asif, the counsel for a petitioner and the AAG Attique Shah to survey all the four provinces to monitor prices of flour.

After examining the report, the bench ruled that its findings indicate that the constitutional fundamental rights to life under Article 9 and a life of dignity, envisioned under Article 14, may not be available currently to a substantial number of citizens.

The court issued directives to the provinces to provide a comprehensive survey based on empirical data conducted professionally and scientifically.

Dr Shakeel Ahmed Khan, Food Security Commissioner provided information to the court. According to the court, the information provided varying estimates including a wide variation in per month minimum expenditure ranging from Rs 6,200 to Rs14,858.

“These figures are in respect of the bare, essential food items required for survival of a family of four comprising two adults and two children – the figures do not even consider the needs of such family in respect of electricity, water, gas, traveling, school fees, clothing, shelter and a number of other items which are necessary for a reasonable life with dignity,” Justice Jawwad S Khawaja ruled.

The bench said that federal and provincial governments are responsible for ensuring fundamental rights of citizens and to secure the well-being of people.

The bench said it will also consider the possibility of seeking a study by professionally sound bodies or individuals to assist the court in the matter to understand if and to what extent there may be deficiency in ensuring the fundamental rights of citizens.

The bench decided to hear the matter next week, saying the governments would be given an opportunity to apprise the court about their actions to alleviate the abject conditions of citizens, and adjourned the hearing of case till May 2.