ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair, on Tuesday approved the formation of a special committee, under the supervision of the federal law minister, for holding consultations with all the relevant institutions and experts on the issue of enforced disappearances.
During the meeting of the federal cabinet held here, the prime minister was briefed on the issue of enforced disappearances. The cabinet committee would consist of cabinet members belonging to all the political parties.
It was told that a special committee of the cabinet had been constituted, which will look into the factors behind the disappearances besides working for the recovery of the missing persons.
Moreover, a bill to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure 1860 had been tabled in the National Assembly which proposed strict punishment for the people involved in enforced disappearances. The amendment bill is currently under consideration by the Senate Standing Committee concerned.
Calling it a serious constitutional issue, the cabinet members called for practical steps for its resolution in coordination with all the stakeholders. The prime minister said the enforced disappearances was a serious issue that led to the lawlessness.
Discussing other agenda items, the federal cabinet approved the revival of the Railways Estate Development and Marketing Company (REDAMCO), on the recommendations of the Railway Ministry. The REDAMCO was a subsidiary of the railway ministry, which was dissolved by the previous government.
The company had been operating to utilize the railways land for profit-making activities which had also led to the surge in the department’s revenue. The revenue was being used to meet the salaries and pension of the railway employees as well as the development projects.
The federal cabinet endorsed the decision made by the cabinet committee on the legal reforms committee in its meetings held on May 19 and 25, 2022.
The committee had decided on the amendment of Chartered Accountability Bye-Laws 1983; approved the rules for appointment of chairman and members of the National Industrial Relations Commission; and Election (Amendment) Bill 2022.
The cabinet nullified the induction of incumbent Chairman of Karachi Port Trust Chairman Nadir Mumtaz on deputation and assigned the additional charge to the Director-General of Ports and Shipping. The new chairman will be appointed through an open competition.
