July 29, 2005	Friday	Jumadi-us-Sani 21, 1426

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ISLAMABAD, July 28: The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights has observed that amendments in the Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) were the need of the hour, as various provisions of the FCR flagrantly violated fundamental human rights.

The committee which met on Thursday under the chairmanship of Senator S. M. Zafar, made this observation while discussing the report of its sub-committee constituted to study FCR and suggest some amendments.

Chairman of the committee Senator S. M. Zafar appreciated the hectic work done by the sub-committee. it was brought it to the notice of the Committee that the NWFP government had already constituted a technical committee under the chairmanship of Justice (retd) Ajmal Mian which would submit its report by August 26.

The ministry of law suggested that the meeting of the Functional Committee be adjourned so that the members could study report. The members suggested that the committee should meet after Aug 26 to formulate its recommendations.

The committee recommended to the NWFP Governor that women and children under the age of 10 should not be detained under preventive laws as provisions of detention under FCR lacked check and balance.

The report on jail reforms were also considered. As the report from Punjab was about to complete therefore, it was unanimously decided to deliberate on the issue in its next meeting. The committee noted with concern that over crowded jails all over the country not only create hygienic problems but the visitors and relatives also face a great trouble.

It directed Inspectors-General of Prisons to adopt measures to facilitate the prisoners. The committee directed the provincial IGS Prisons to make appropriate arrangements for the surprise visits of the members of the committee.

The IGs Prisons assured that necessary directions would be issued to all concerned.

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