August 02, 2008	Saturday	Rajab 29, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Aug 1: A Senate committee has called for immediate suspension of the assistant political agent of Jamrud for his alleged failure to prevent the murder of four family members of Senator Hafiz Abdul Malik Qadri.

The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedures and Privileges, which met at the Parliament House on Friday under the chairmanship of Senator Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, was considering a privilege motion moved by Senator Qadri alleging failure of the assistant political agent to contact him after the murder of four members of his family.

Senator Mashhadi said that the agency official not only failed to take appropriate measures for safety of the Senator’s family despite clear threats but also demonstrated a lack of administrative capability.

Besides, he proceeded on Umra after the incident, leaving the investigation inconclusive.

“This kind of behaviour amply demonstrates that being callous, inefficient and indifferent, he is not fit to hold such a sensitive post,” Senator Mashhadi said.

He said the parliamentary committees were an extension of parliament and these must be given the deference they deserved.

According to a press release, the committee directed the Ministry of Interior to look into the matter and coordinate with the Fata secretariat for immediate arrest of those responsible for the gruesome murders.

It asked the political agent of Khyber to step up efforts, in coordination with other government agencies, to arrest the culprits.