Pak lawmakers demand bringing state agencies under ambit of law

The mysterious disappearance of five activists in Pakistan has prompted the Senate to demand that all state agencies be brought under the ambit of law.

The Dawn quoted Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Senator Farhatullah Babar, as saying that recommendations forwarded by a Senate Committee includes one on missing persons and a draft legislation to bring the state agencies under the ambit of the law.

He said parliamentary leaders would sign the recommendations and get it approved by the house as a private members' bill if the government did not respond suitably.

Babar asked Senate chairman Raza Rabbani to implement the report on speedy and inexpensive justice in letter and spirit as quickly as possible.

He said the issue of continued disappearances of activists in the country must not be lost on the house and asked for their subsequent release during a debate in the senate.

"The situation is getting worse by the day. The Supreme Court identified those involved in the disappearance of 28 persons from an internment centre in Malakand, yet nothing happened," he said.

The Senator Babar said it is a wake-up call for parliament and the nation to address the issue before it gets too late.