Speaker summons DIG Khuzdar over Asma Jattak and Laiba Sattar cases

QUETTA: Balochistan Assembly Speaker Captain (retd) Abdul Khaliq Khan Achakzai summoned the DIG Khuzdar Range on the basis of his ruling. Police officials were directed to carry out transparent investigations, arrest the accused and provide effective security to the affected families.

A meeting was held in the Speaker’s Chamber under the chair of the Speaker. It was attended by Member of the Provincial Assembly Ali Madad Jattak, Mir Jahanzeb Mengal, Mir Zafarullah Khan Zehri, Balochistan Assembly Secretary Tahir Shah Kakar and Assistant Inspector General of Police Asif Khan.

The meeting discussed in detail the cases of Asma Jattak and Laiba Sattar, who belongs to Qalat district. It also considered the security concerns of their families and the failure to arrest the accused.

DIG summoned

Under the ruling he had given in the House, the Speaker had summoned the DIG Khuzdar Range to the Speaker’s Chamber. He wanted an explanation of the progress in the incidents, the police investigations and the steps taken to protect the affected families. The Speaker also expressed concern that, despite the DIG Khuzdar Range being summoned over the matter, an AIG came instead of the DIG. This was seen as a breach of privilege.

The Speaker said it was worrying that such incidents were repeatedly being discussed in the Assembly. He said the police were protectors of the public and their elected representatives, and their basic duty was to ensure the safety of citizens’ lives and property. “You are our protectors. If you cannot protect us, what can we say?” he said.

Security and investigations

During the meeting, AIG Asif Khan said security had been provided to Asma Jattak and her family. The Speaker asked how the concerns and safety of her family were being ensured if the affected woman was being given security. He stressed that the protection of the affected families should not be limited to a formality. Their confidence, he said, should be restored through practical steps.

Police officials told the meeting that investigations into both incidents were under way and that various aspects of the matter were being examined. The Speaker directed that the investigations be completed in a transparent, impartial and effective manner. He also directed that action be taken in accordance with the law against the accused named in the cases and that the affected families be given full protection.

The Speaker stressed that the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights were the first responsibility of state institutions. He told police officials that delay and lack of progress in such sensitive cases created a sense of insecurity among the public. It was therefore necessary, he said, to ensure justice and the protection of the affected families through solid measures.