Raymond Davis to be treated in accordance with law: Rehman Malik
ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP): Federal Minister for Interior, Rehman Malik on Wednesday informed the Upper House of Parliament that the accused Raymond Davis involved in the killing of Pakistani national would be treated in accordance with the law of the land. “Law will take its course and no favor will be done with the accused,” said the minister while responding to various point of orders raised by the senators. The Minister informed the House that the person arrested by the Punjab police is holding a diplomatic passport. Rehman Malik said that central and provincial governments would not hinder the court proceedings regarding Raymond Davis.
“We will follow whatever the court said and would provide all information desired by the court regarding the case of US citizen involved in the killing of two Pakistanis”.
He added that on the instructions of the honourable court, the name of the Raymond Davis has been put in the Exit Control List (ECL).
He said holding open debate on such a sensitive issue would be inappropriate as it would influence the investigation being conducted by the Punjab police.
The Minister said the information will be shared with the House within couple of days as investigation report from Punjab would reach within a few days.
He said it is unfortunate that some elements are spreading news about rift in the federal government and provincial government on the issue of Raymond Davis.
“There is no rift between the two governments on the issue, we are on the same page and will follow whatever the law of the country said.”
The Minister also dispelled the impression that federal government is interfering in the issue.
He also informed the House that the government is also planning to establish ‘Shuhada’ funds for the victims killed in the terrorist activities.
“The security forces and civilian families will be provided assistance from the funds”, he added.
Rehman Malik said stipend and house would be provided to the affected families. National Assembly and Senate members committee would be constituted to monitor the funding and urged people to donate in the fund generously.
It is also under consideration to publish directory containing information of people killed in the terrorist activities across the country.
The Minister said the government is also planning to issue electronic Arms License adding NADRA would be assigned to issue electronic arms license.
Referring to the tight security measures put in place in Karachi, the minister said there is a sharp decline in the cases of target killing.
He disclosed that the law enforcement agencies have also arrested terrorists who wanted to target MQM, ANP, PPP leadership and journalists.
The minister also said key arrests have been made in Wali Babar killing. People involved in the heinous crime would be brought to justice soon.
He also informed that the government has no plan to amend Blasphemy Law.
“Neither changes would be made in the Blasphemy Law nor any committee is working under the chairmanship of Minister for Minorities Affairs, Shehbaz Bhatti to amend the law.”
Malik said the government has no plan to amend the blasphemy law.
The Minister appealed Ulema and religious leaders not to politicize the issue.