ISLAMABAD: The federal government today formed an inquiry commission to probe the Faizabad sit-in in two months.
In the latest development, Attorney General Awan presented a notification regarding the establishment of a new probe commission, constituted under the Pakistan Commissions of Inquiry Act, 2017.
The commission includes former KP inspector general of police Akhtar Ali Shah, ex-IGP Tahir Aslam Khan, and Interior Ministry Additional Secretary Khushal Khan.
Notification courtesy: MJtv
According to the TORs outlined in the notification, the commission is mandated to investigate illegal financial or other support provided to TLP for the Faizabad dharna and subsequent events.
It is also responsible for recommending actions against those issuing fatwas or edicts during the sit-in, examining PEMRA’s inaction against broadcasters and cable operators violating the law, and scrutinizing the spread of hate and violence through social media, proposing measures to address it.
The commission is further tasked with determining the responsibility of individuals and/or government officers, including those associated with intelligence agencies, and assessing whether disciplinary proceedings or legal action are warranted against them.
Additionally, it will provide recommendations for police handling of such rallies and propose a framework for federal and provincial governments to effectively monitor and prosecute those advocating hate and extremism.
After compiling all records and evidence, the committee is set to submit its report to the federal government within two months.
In October this year, the government had formed a fact-finding committee, tasked with ensuring compliance with the directions outlined in the 2019 judgment.
This committee, consisting of additional secretaries from the ministries of defence, interior, and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was expected to submit its final report to the defence ministry by December 1.
However, chief justice of Pakistan Justice Isa rejected the committee, dismissing it as mere “eye wash” and raising concerns about the probe’s terms of reference (TORs).
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Pakistan resumed hearing of the Faizabad sit-in case today. A three-member bench of the apex court headed by chief justice Qazi Faez Isa is conducting hearing of the case.
Meanwhile, the federal government has formed an inquiry commission to investigate the Faizabad sit-in, coinciding with the Supreme Court’s imminent resumption of hearings on the case.
Attorney General Mansoor Awan informed reporters at the Supreme Court on Wednesday that in response to the court’s suggestion during the previous hearing, the government has resolved to form a commission.
