ISLAMABAD, Aug 27: The Senate’s functional committee on human rights has observed that amendments in Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) would bring a change in the life of tribal man and he would be able to adjust himself in changing socio-political environment.

This observation was made by the committee chaired by Senator S. M. Zafar while discussing the report of its subcommittee constituted to study FCR with a view to suggest some amendments for incorporation in the FCR.

The committee finalized various recommendations/suggestions of the subcommittee to amend the FCR with a view to provide relief to the people of tribal areas, especially those provisions which are contrary to basic human rights.

Chairman of the committee, S. M. Zafar appreciated the members of the subcommittee for their detailed discussions and deliberations with tribal chiefs and Maliks for amendments in the FCR.

The committee unanimously passed a resolution about the abstinence from or obstruction to the voting of women in a number of constituencies during the recent local bodies elections and was of the view that franchise is central to democracy and no one could be deprived of the right to vote on grounds of gender or otherwise.

The members of the committee pointed out that this constitutional right was being denied in some areas of Pakistan due to local and tribal culture, which they termed as unconstitutional and against the spirit of Islam.

The committee in order to deal with such cultural obstacles invited suggestions from various ministries/organizations, including interior, law and justice, culture, women development, commission of women rights, human rights commission of Pakistan, human society for Pakistan and Aurat Foundation so that the women in such areas could express their views and exercise their right through ballot in accordance with the Constitution.

Besides the committee chairman Senator S.M.Zafar, the meeting was attended by Senators Dr Khalid Ranjha, Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Mrs Nighat Mirza, Mrs Abida Saif (advocate) and others.