Cabinet Committee seeks detailed and verified report on enforced disappearances 

Cabinet Committee on Enforced Disappearances met today under the chair of Law Minister Senator Azam Nazir Tarar on Wednesday. Missing Persons Commission members, Attorney General, Home Secretary and Law Division officials were present in the meeting, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

According to an official declaration, the committee is empowered to review the measures taken to deal with enforced disappearances and the work of the inquiry commission. During the meeting, the details of the facts and figures of the cases under review by the commission were sought. 

A discrepancy was found in the data of the commission, human rights organizations and civil society as committee was told that many cases were found to be bogus in the review conducted by the commission. Some people were absconder were declared missing who had fled the country to avoid legal action. 

As per Cabinet directives, committee approved that financial assistance package of up to five million rupees will be given to the families of persons who have been missing for more than five years, the statement said. The assistance package will be subject to verification of legal heirs by NADRA. 

During the meeting, the Cabinet committee directed Missing Persons Commission to submit a comprehensive report containing verified facts and figures regarding the missing persons. The committee directed the chairperson of the Commission to speed up public awareness campaign and financial assistance packages for the affected families. 

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori