Anti Honour Killings among 3 bills approved by Senate Committee

ISLAMABAD: Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control here on Wednesday recommended amendments in three bills pertaining to Anti Honour Killings Laws Custodial Torture Death and Rape Laws and Motor Vehicles Laws.

The committee met here under the chairmanship of Senator Talha Mehmood and was attended by Senators including Col (R) Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi Begum Najma Hameed Syeda Sughra Imam Farhatullah Babar and Syed Zafar Ali Shah.

Senator Sughra Imam moved the bill for considering the Anti Honour Killings Laws (Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014 for amendment. She said that it is not possible to curb the culture of honour killings without introducing some amendments in the existing laws. Punjab government has also felt the need for making amendments in the bill she added.

Senator Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi said that the bill should be discussed in the Senate with the collective political wisdom of the lawmakers. Senator Farhatullah Babar referring to Senate Rules urged the chairman to also call for public opinions on the amendments of bill.

Senator Farhatullah Babar moved the bill for considering the Torture Custodial Death and Custodial Rape (Prevention and Punishment) Bill 2014 for amendment.

He said that Pakistan has signed the UN conventions in 2010 against the torture and later in 2010 ratified it. However he said there is a need for legislation for controlling torture custodial death and rape.

The Interior and Law and Justice officials endorsed the amendments for bringing the culprits to justice. Farhatullah Babar said It is our national and international obligations
to make strict laws for the culprits.

Senator Tahir Hussain Mashhadi said that it would bring dignity and respect to
law enforcement agencies and public of the country.

Senators Col (R) Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi and Syed Zafar Ali Shah moved the bill for considering Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2012 for amendments.

The Committee recommended the amendments in the bill for establishing medical panel in the traffic police department for medical checkups of the applicants for driving license. Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi said that driving license should be issued in a proper manner for reducing the ratio of traffic accidents in the country.

The increase in compensation package for the victims of road accidents has also been recommended by the committee as Rs 200 000 for death Rs. 100 000 for permanent disability and Rs 25 000 for minor injuries. The Committee also directed the traffic police that rout permit should be issued only to those vehicles which make insurance from the certified companies.