Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly said on Friday that the government was committed to ensuring that human rights of its citizens as envisaged under the Constitution as well as international commitments were fully adhered to.

The National Assembly resumed its session in Islamabad today with Deputy Speaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi in the chair. Minister for Human Rights Kamran Michael told the House in a written reply to a question that all possible measures are being taken for protection and promotion of rights of women, children, persons with disabilities and minorities.

He said an action plan for human rights was being implemented in collaboration with federal and provincial governments to improve human rights situation in the country. He pointed out that in total, 4,054 human rights violations cases had been taken up by the Ministry of Human Rights during January to June this year. To a question, Law Minister Zahid Hamid informed the House that free legal aid to the poor was being provided under Access to Justice Development Funds and through Pakistan Bar Council at District level. The Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi told the House that due to the efforts of the government, petrol was being provided at cheaper rate in the country. Regarding import of Ethanol-10, the Minister said Pakistan State Oil discontinued marketing of the commodity due to non-availability of Fuel Grade Ethanol. However, he said there were no restrictions on anyone who wished to import this commodity.

The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmad told the House that National Highway Authority had taken up the feasibility study and detailed design of four-lane expressway from Lower Topa to Kohala via Chijana and Sri Bandi. This proposed expressway will be the extension of Islamabad-Murree dual carriageway. He said after approval of PC-I, the project would be completed within three years. Later, the House was adjourned due to lack of quorum to meet again on Monday afternoon at 5 PM.