July 11, 2008	Friday	Rajab 7, 1429

KARACHI, July 10: The Sindh human rights department is pondering over preparation of a proposal for a federal ban on the holding of tribal courts, popularly known as “Jirga”.

This was stated by Nadia Gabol, the provincial minister for human rights, while talking to a group of human rights activists in her office on Thursday.

She said that once the proposal was ready, it would be sent to the federal government. The proposal would include provision of legal action against all those involved in passing decrees in contravention of the Constitution and without legal authority.

“However, if necessary, the Jirga jurisdiction could be restricted to taking decisions on the matters pertaining to domestic issues on the pattern of “Punchayat Committees”. The matters/issues coming in the ambit of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) should not be allowed to be decided by a Jirga in any case,” she maintained.

Taking cognizance of a news item, appearing in a section of the press regarding decrees of two separate Jirgas held in Shikarpur district, she said it was matter of serious concern. She also asked the DPO Shikarpur to hold an inquiry and take action against those involved in the matter. —PPI