ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP): The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, held a detailed session to review the murder case of Ahmed Javed in Lahore, the performance of child protection institutions, and the growing threat of narcotics in educational institutions.
The meeting was attended by Senators Shahadat Awan, Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, Syed Masroor Ahsan, Tahir Khalil, Sher Ali Abid, Ponjo Bheel and Senator Qurat-ul-Ain Marri.
Taking up the murder case of Ahmed Javed, the committee was informed by the representative of the Inspector General of Punjab Police that all accused have been arrested and the challan has been submitted to the court. In response to a query by Senator Mahmood ul Hassan regarding recovery, the IG representative confirmed that all recoveries have been made.
Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan revealed that 150 bullets were fired at the child. Senator Abid Sher Ali described the hardships faced by the victim’s family as extremely cruel and called for scrutiny of police conduct. He said the behavior of the police should be discussed and that the force must assess the seriousness of such matters.
He also questioned whether bystanders who watched the incident faced any punishment, adding that some individuals “become beasts by sitting in police uniform.”
The deceased’s father appeared before the committee and gave his account. He said the entire matter escalated due to a television channel’s coverage, claiming that for a week after his son’s murder it was broadcast that there was a dance party.
He stated that his family’s name was repeatedly mentioned in news reports and that his son had no previous meeting with the alleged murderer. He further alleged that certain police officers had relations and partnerships with the families of the accused. According to him, DIG Zeeshan assured him after fifteen days and conducted an investigation.
The father said the trial of his son’s murder has not started and only bail proceedings are underway. He informed the committee that his son was married and that he himself is ill. He also alleged that the accused attempted to shift the entire blame onto guards. He claimed he received a threatening message stating that if anything happened, hostility would start against them.
Responding to queries, the IG Punjab representative informed the committee that the case is currently under trial in a regular court. Senator Qurat-ul-Ain Marri questioned why terrorism provisions were not invoked despite 150 bullets being fired. The IG representative stated that unless the perpetrator is associated with a terrorist organization, Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act is not imposed, adding that the process of granting bail is judicial and that the police have completed their investigation. He said the Chief Minister has directed that the investigation be conducted on merit and that the police have completed their part, leaving the matter to the court.
The chairperson of the committee said the focus of the committee has been on supporting the oppressed. She remarked that this is not merely an individual’s case, but when it comes to the children of ordinary citizens, influence and relationships are often used. She questioned what circumstances led to 150 bullets being fired, regardless of whether a dance party had taken place. She expressed surprise at the grant of bail and sought clarification about the political affiliation of the MPA linked to the accused.
Senator Shahadat Awan stated that the entire committee stands united in its view that the case should have been registered under terrorism provisions and called for summoning the Prosecutor General Punjab in the next meeting. The committee formally decided to summon the Punjab Prosecutor General and the investigation officers at the upcoming meeting
During a briefing by the Director General of the Child Protection Institute, it was revealed that Rs. 30 per child per day has been allocated at the institute. Senator Shahadat Awan termed it surprising that only Rs. 900 per month is being spent on a child. The DG informed the committee that most children are referred by the Islamabad administration or police and are handed back to their parents after contact is established within a few days.
The DG highlighted serious challenges regarding transgender children, stating that parents often refuse to accept them back. He further revealed that in areas such as Khanna Pul, Tarlai, and Mehrabadi, children as young as eight are using drugs and that narcotics are being sold and consumed openly. He alleged that Chinese nationals are distributing drugs in slums, where drugs are provided and videos are made.
Senator Shahadat Awan questioned what progress had been made from 2018 to 2022 and to date, remarking that according to the briefing, the government appears to be doing nothing.
Officials of the Anti-Narcotics Force briefed the committee on nationwide anti-drug efforts. They stated that the Field Marshal and the Prime Minister have issued special instructions to curb drug use in educational institutions.
Preventive measures have been taken in 261 universities and in schools, including those in Islamabad. Operations are being conducted in collaboration with relevant authorities including PARA and the Federal Directorate of Education.
ANF officials reported that more than 110 individuals have been arrested in various operations and more than four tons of drugs have been recovered. They confirmed that foreign nationals are also involved in drug trafficking. According to the officials, Afghanistan remains a major drug-producing and supplying country, with most drugs being smuggled from there to other countries.
The chairperson criticized the briefing, stating that repeated assurances that action will be taken are not enough and demanding timelines and concrete results of the anti-drug action plan. Senator Qurat-ul-Ain Marri questioned why authorities wait for substances to become addictive before acting against them.
The committee reiterated its demand for actionable outcomes, enhanced legal provisions in serious criminal cases, improved funding for vulnerable children, and an aggressive, result-oriented strategy to eliminate drugs from educational institutions and residential areas.