Mangi Dam attack: Asghar Khan Achakzai tells commission agreement not implemented

QUETTA: The commission set up to investigate the terrorist attack on the Mangi Dam pumping station in Ziarat district continued its proceedings in open court yesterday. Justice Muhammad Amir Nawaz Rana presided over the hearing.

The statements of several witnesses were recorded during the hearing, including political leader Asghar Khan Achakzai.

Asghar Khan Achakzai’s statement

Asghar Khan Achakzai complained that several clauses of the written agreement between the government and the families of the Ziarat martyrs had not been implemented. He also complained that the government had adopted an unserious attitude.

He also submitted to the commission copies of the National Action Plan, which has been fully endorsed by the political, government and military leadership. According to him, it contains a comprehensive plan of action against terrorists, illegal armed groups, banned organisations and militant groups. It also covers the networks that generate their funds and the centres that facilitate them, including drug dens.

According to the witness, if the government is serious about controlling the current grave wave of terrorism in Balochistan and preventing further loss of life, it should implement the National Action Plan in letter and spirit.

The commission directed the Additional Attorney General for Balochistan and the Advocate General Balochistan to submit separate comprehensive reports on the points raised by Asghar Khan Achakzai on behalf of the government at the next hearing.

PTA report

The Director of the Web Analysis Division of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) appeared before the commission and submitted a report on the action taken against false, sensational and hateful content on social media about the tragedy.

In light of the commission’s directive, he also presented the federal government’s notification establishing the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority. Under the notification, a chairperson and six members of the authority have been appointed.

Mobile phone theft case

The investigating officer in the case of the theft of the mobile phone and other belongings of martyred police official Jehandad Khan at the Civil Hospital Quetta also appeared before the commission. He submitted a progress report on recovery.

The investigating officer said the suspects involved in the incident had been arrested. He said a video recording of their confession had also been provided to the commission.

Expressing satisfaction, Justice Muhammad Amir Nawaz Rana said no leniency should be shown to those who committed this despicable act and that they should be punished in accordance with the law.

Further proceedings of the commission were adjourned until the next hearing.