KARACHI, Dec 14: Sindh Education Minister Dr Hamida Khuhro on Wednesday said an inquiry committee was investigating into allegations of blasphemy against suspended editor and joint editor of Sindhi Adabi magazine Sartioon, and its report would finalize their fate. Both the editor and joint editor of Sartioon were suspended by Dr Hamida on charges of blasphemy and an inquiry committee was set up to probe into the allegations and decide their fate.

Talking to a delegation of Aurat Foundation, which called on her at her office to discuss the issue, Dr Khuhro said that when she assumed charge as chairperson of SAB, she found Sartioon “a very substandard product” and ordered for its closure.

“But I was told that it was the only Sindhi magazine published under government-patronage for women, so a female worker was promoted as joint editor on the condition that she would improve its standard,” she said, but added that even then no improvement was seen.

She said the blasphemy committed by the editorial board was “unacceptable” but no strict action was taken as they were just suspended.

On the delegation’s request, she announced inclusion of a woman member in the committee and assured them that the inquiry would be transparent.—PPI