In a significant move to address the plight of families affected by enforced disappearances, the Pakistani government has announced a financial aid package of Rs5 million for each family of missing persons. This decision was revealed by Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar during a press briefing on Friday, following a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.
Cabinet Decision and Support Package
Minister Tarar elaborated on the cabinet’s discussions, which focused on the pressing issue of missing persons. The approved support package is a response to the recommendations made by previous committees dedicated to investigating this matter. Two comprehensive reports on missing persons were presented during the meeting, and the cabinet not only approved the financial aid but also decided to establish a special committee to examine genuine cases requiring support. This new committee aims to alleviate the challenges faced by the families of the missing, providing both legal and financial assistance.
Nature of Assistance
Clarifying the purpose of the financial aid, Tarar emphasized that the Rs5 million assistance is not a form of remuneration but rather an attempt by the government to share in the grief of the affected families and help resolve their problems. This initiative is part of the government’s broader commitment to addressing the complex issue of missing persons, which involves various underlying factors.
Efforts to Resolve Missing Persons Cases
The law minister highlighted the government’s stringent measures to resolve the issue of missing persons. He pointed out that many cases have been successfully addressed through the efforts of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIED). According to Tarar, 10,200 cases of missing persons were registered with the COIED, of which approximately 8,000 have been resolved. This leaves only 23% of cases still pending, a significant reduction attributed to the commission’s diligent work.
The information minister also shared historical context, noting that in 2011, the Supreme Court established an inquiry commission on missing persons. This commission managed to resolve 7,900 out of 10,023 cases, leaving the remaining 23% to be addressed.
Regional Statistics and Causes
The issue of missing persons is particularly acute in certain regions. According to a report presented by the missing person’s inquiry commission in January, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported the highest number of cases at 3,485. The commission identified casualties from drone attacks and a surge in militancy as primary causes for these disappearances. In Balochistan, 2,752 cases of enforced disappearances were recorded. The commission noted that besides enforced disappearances, many individuals fled abroad without informing their families, influenced by the province’s prevailing conditions.
Recent Developments
The government’s announcement came amid ongoing protests by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) activists, who have been demanding the recovery of missing persons. Earlier today, BYC activists called off their sit-in in Gwadar after successful negotiations with local authorities. The agreement was formalized by Dr. Mahrang Baloch, representing the protesters, and the Gwadar district’s deputy commissioner. The decision to end the protests reflects a significant step towards addressing the concerns of families affected by enforced disappearances in the region.
Commitment to Resolution
Minister Tarar reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to resolving all issues related to missing persons by utilizing all available resources. The establishment of the new committee and the financial aid package are parts of a comprehensive strategy to support the families of missing persons and to address the root causes of the problem. The government hopes that these measures will bring some relief to the affected families and demonstrate its dedication to upholding justice and human rights.
The announcement of the Rs5 million aid package marks a pivotal moment in the government’s ongoing efforts to address the issue of missing persons in Pakistan. By providing financial assistance and establishing a special committee to support affected families, the government aims to alleviate their suffering and ensure that their grievances are adequately addressed. This initiative underscores the government’s broader commitment to resolving the complex and deeply troubling issue of enforced disappearances, bringing hope to countless families across the nation.
