RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Interior Rehman Malik Saturday refuted the claims that families of those killed in Sahiwal incident were called to Islamabad by the committee.

“No official notice by the secretary committee was issued to the families of Sahiwal victims to its Friday meeting,” he said, addressing a press conference here.

Malik said that Punjab Police were not directed by the Senate Standing Committee to bring the victim families to Islamabad “as it is mistakenly quoted that we called them.”

He clarified that the Ministry of Interior and Punjab Police did not inform him or any official of the committee about the presence of the families in Islamabad; otherwise, he might have brought them to the meeting himself. He wished someone should have informed him about their presence.

The senator also showed the media a copy of the notice which was issued to the secretary Ministry of Interior, home secretary Punjab, IGP Punjab and DIGs and DPOs of Sahiwal and Lahore only.

He further said that according to the Senate Rules of Procedure, a proper official notice is issued by the secretary committee to the addresses of the invitees with the mention of date, time and place/ venue of the meeting. He said a comprehensive letter was sent to the secretary Ministry of Interior on January 22 with a questionnaire containing 42 questions seeking details of the family members of Sahiwal victims for issuing proper notices to them for getting their point of view and written statements in the next meeting of the committee.

He said it is responsibility of the Parliament to ensure justice in the matter. He requested the media to play its due role on the matter avoiding disinformation.

“It is important to know the point of view of the bereaved families of Sahiwal incident; therefore, they will be certainly invited to appear before the committee to record their statements and in this regard a proper official notice will be issued to them to record their point of view and statements in written,” he said, adding that the families and local councillors would be issued notices to attend the meeting of the committee next week. Local MNAs and MPAs will attend the meeting as special invitees for their input on the incident. Senate Secretariat will manage transportation and other necessary arrangements for the victim families.

The standing committee head explained all the legal aspects, processes, procedures and rules of Senate to call any individual or organisation to the Senate meeting.

He also recalled he tweeted early in the morning hoping and requesting to avoid spreading disinformation about Sahiwal incident. He said, “Nobody dare hinder their presence in the SSC meeting once legal formalities are done and notices are issued,” he said.

Malik asserted that conspiracy behind the Sahiwal tragedy cannot be ruled out as the committee is investigating all the aspects and also considering if personal animosity was involved. He said that Pakistan Army, police and other LEAs are fighting war against terrorism and have rendered countless sacrifices. He said the acts such as Sahiwal tragedy could be aimed at weakening institutions and creating gulf between them and masses.

“The committee is monitoring the investigation process and waiting for the final report of the JIT as we think that an element of the conspiracy against the state institutions cannot be ignored,” he said, emphasising that the committee is fully supporting and standing behind the armed forces, police and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) for their efforts against terrorism.