An important meeting of the Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination and Human Rights was held in the committee room of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly
An important meeting of the standing council for inter-provincial coordination and human rights was held in the committee room of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly, which was chaired by Zafar Agha.
Majlis members Muhammad Khan Lahri, Ravi Phuja, Meena Majeed and Shahida Rauf also participated.
The Secretary of the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Department briefed the committee about its performance and the problems faced. There are 59 posts in the department, out of which 31 are filled and 28 are vacant. The IPC department plays an important role in coordinating with the provinces and the federal government on national and regional issues, including issues such as federal levies, cadet college dues, funding issues, and illegal fishing in coastal areas. But it is in contact with the provinces and the center.
Members expressed concerns about water distribution, citing water scarcity in Balochistan and Sindh’s failure to provide its share. Water distribution rules are being ignored by Sindh. The department should address these issues, and the Majlis members said that as public representatives, they would fight for the rights of Balochistan. There is a need to strengthen the department to deal with provincial conflicts.
The second phase of the meeting focused on the Directorate of Human Rights of the Department of Social Welfare. The secretary highlighted the performance of the department including women’s rights, minority rights, disabled persons, transgender rights and elimination of gender-based violence. District Human Rights Committees have been set up to monitor human resource violations, comprising Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, Superintendents of Jails, District Education Officers, District Bar Association representatives, and Deputy Directors of Social Welfare. .
Discussing the issues facing the department, it was said that the department is facing challenges, including lack of operational budget, capacity building issues, and limited vehicles for outreach services. Chairman Zafar Agha requested the department to provide a list of working NGOs and emphasized the need to deal with human resource violations. He also directed the department to establish an active cell to receive complaints against human rights violations and create relief points.
In today’s meeting, the important role of inter-provincial coordination and human rights departments in promoting harmony, justice and equality throughout Balochistan was pointed out.
Zafar Agha said that as the Chairman of the Standing Committee, I emphasize that these departments are important for removing provincial inequalities, ensuring equitable distribution of resources and protecting human rights. Their work plays an important role in promoting a culture of tolerance, inclusion and social harmony.
I urge the departments to play their role as people’s representatives to enable the District Human Rights Committees and address important issues like water distribution, federal revenue and gender-based violence. will continue to strengthen, increase their capacity, and ensure the protection of the rights of all citizens, especially the vulnerable.
