Govt must protect rights of Kalash, says SC
islamabad — Supreme Court Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday urged the government to make sure provision of full freedom and fundamental rights to Kalash community in Chitral.
The chief justice gave these remarks while hearing a case pertaining to illegal encroachments on land belonging to the community by a man, Maqsoodul Mulk.
He also warned against the forcible conversion of Kalash community members, and remarked that “the community should not be forced to convert. It is a matter of basic rights.”
Meanwhile, the additional advocate-general informed the bench that a trial court had ruled in favour of the community but the decision had been challenged in the high court. To this, the CJ remarked that “no one can occupy the land of the community, considering them a minority.” He added that the government should ensure their fundamental rights at any cost”.
“It is not a small issue, it is a matter of fundamental rights”, the CJ added.
Subsequently, the bench, while issuing notice to the Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) of the concerned territory, adjourned hearing of the case till October 31.
Meanwhile, hearing another case, the Supreme Court on Wednesday sought reply from the Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Punjab on dysfunctional Punjab Healthcare Commission’s board, within a day.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar
sought reply while hearing a case regarding overcharging, lack of facilities, carelessness and negligence in private medical sector hospitals.
During course of proceedings, the bench was informed that private hospitals namely Doctor Hospital and National Hospital were now providing free beds to their patients.
The bench was also informed that private hospitals also waived some other hospitalisation charges for patients to facilitate them.
Chief Justice appreciated the steps taken by the private hospitals administration, and said “if someone do good then it should be appreciated”. —