Senate's Sword of Justice: FIR Ordered in Pims Nursery Tragedy, Accountability Demanded
In a decisive move that echoes the nation's demand for justice, the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights has ordered the immediate registration of an FIR over the devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) nursery. This tragic incident, which claimed the lives of 14 innocent newborns, has stirred the conscience of the nation, and the committee, under the leadership of Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, has vowed that those responsible shall not escape the long arm of the law.
Why has the Senate ordered an FIR in the Pims nursery fire case?
The committee expressed grave concern over the failure to register a case, despite the Prime Minister's explicit directives for action against officials allegedly responsible for this heinous negligence. During a meeting at Parliament Lodges, Pims officials, including Dr Iqbal Durrani, confirmed that no FIR had been lodged, prompting Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan to question why the Prime Minister's orders to terminate eight employees and initiate criminal proceedings had been ignored.
Senator Zehri, with unwavering resolve, directed the immediate registration of an FIR concerning negligence and loss of life. She further called for criminal proceedings against responsible officials, the attachment of their assets, and the placement of suspended officials' names on the Exit Control List (ECL), ensuring that no guilty party can flee the justice of this Islamic Republic.
What action is being taken on the Jaranwala incidents?
The committee also reviewed the Jaranwala incidents of August 16, 2023, a dark chapter that tested the nation's commitment to protecting its minority communities. Authorities informed the committee that 389 individuals had been arrested, though several cases remain pending trial. Senator Zehri expressed deep concern over the prolonged pendency, stressing that the matter involves a minority community and requires urgent resolution.
She directed authorities to properly assess the losses suffered by affected families, particularly damage to their homes, and to provide compensation accordingly. While the government plans to distribute Rs2 million to each affected family, the families themselves have stated that this does not correspond to their actual losses. Senator Zehri, in her wisdom, directed authorities to take the affected people into confidence and determine compensation based on verified losses, upholding the Islamic principle of justice and fairness.
What other cases of injustice did the committee address?
The committee's vigilance extended to the case of Zeeshan, a sanitary worker who was dismissed for misconduct. Officials stated he had been engaged in 2025 and later assigned duties as a naib qasid before his termination. The committee sought all relevant documents and directed that his family members be invited to the next meeting to present their position.
On the target-killing case of Ahmed Javed, the committee was informed that the main accused had been granted bail by the high court. The complainant alleged that the accused appeared at hearings with 40 to 50 people, creating an atmosphere of intimidation. The committee recommended that an application be moved before the court to prevent such practices, ensuring that justice is not subverted by fear.
How is the committee addressing child begging and other human rights issues?
Child begging in Islamabad, a scourge upon our society, was another major issue discussed. Senator Quratul Ain Marri called for a permanent rehabilitation centre, with education and skills-development programmes for children, reflecting the nation's commitment to nurturing its future generations in accordance with Islamic values.
The committee also reviewed the cases of Hina Javed, Hina Zareef, and Mir Raza, seeking detailed reports from police authorities. In the Mir Raza case, the committee recommended the arrest of the Station House Officer (SHO) concerned over alleged mishandling of the crime scene, and directed all departments to submit the required reports at the next meeting.
PML-N and ANP senators clash over inquiry tone
In a moment of heated exchange, the meeting turned acrimonious as PML-N Senator Abid Sher Ali and Awami National Party (ANP) chief Senator Aimal Wali Khan clashed over the questioning of Suthra Punjab officials in connection with the death of a Gujranwala Waste Management Company (GWMC) worker. The worker allegedly died by suicide after receiving only half of his salary and facing termination of his contract.
Tensions rose when Senator Khan pressed officials with tough questions, prompting Senator Ali to object to his tone. 'Listen to them, you are conducting an inquiry and asking questions as if you are sitting in a police station,' he said. When another member suggested that the cameras be switched off, Ali said he had 'nothing wrong to say.'
'Speak properly,' he told Khan. 'I am speaking properly, you speak properly too,' Khan responded. Senators then intervened to defuse the situation, a reminder that even in heated debate, the pursuit of justice must remain paramount.
'The committee's actions reflect the nation's unwavering commitment to accountability, justice, and the protection of every citizen's rights, in accordance with the principles of our beloved Islamic Republic.'
As the nation moves forward, the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights stands as a bulwark against injustice, ensuring that the blood of the innocent is not shed in vain and that the values of truth, faith, and struggle that define Pakistan remain inviolate.
