Cabinet Body Notes Discrepancies Between Commission and Human Rights Organizations
During the inaugural meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Enforced Disappearances, chaired by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, it was revealed that many cases reviewed by the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIED) were found to be bogus. Some individuals were labeled as fugitives who had fled the country to avoid legal proceedings.
Actions and Decisions of the Committee
To expedite the resolution of missing persons’ cases, the committee was granted additional powers to review the steps and work of the inquiry commission. The committee also requested the latest statistics on the cases under review, noting discrepancies between the Commission’s figures and those reported by human rights organizations and civil societies.
The committee decided to provide financial assistance of up to Rs5 million to families of missing persons who have been missing for over five years, contingent on the verification of legal heirs by NADRA.
Government’s Aid Package
Last August, the government had announced a package of Rs5 million for each family as part of its efforts to provide legal and financial assistance. Law Minister Tarar affirmed the government’s commitment to resolving all missing persons’ issues using all available resources.
