HRCP criticises Nawab Marri’s trial in prison QUETTA: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has criticised Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri’s trial within the four walls of Quetta District Prison and urged the Government to try him in an open court of law. A resolution passed at a meeting of activists from all over Balochistan here on Sunday, said that Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri should be provided better treatment facilities in jail as Nawab Marri is a tribal chieftain and an elderly politician of the country. The Resolution urged upon the Provincial Government to shift Nawab Marri to his residence, place him under house arrest and his trial be conducted in an open court meeting the requirement of natural justice. It also called for resolving all the tribal feuds and disputes in accordance with the established tribal traditions and the local people should be taken into full confidence before any exploration of oil and gas in any part of Balochistan. The HRCP called upon the military Government to hold general elections first, restore democracy and democratic rule and later on hold local bodies elections. Only in this way, the Resolution said, the claim of the military Government could be accepted that it believed in provincial autonomy. It expressed deep concerned over the law and order situation and also the price spiral saying the prices of essential commodities are shooting sky high and beyond the reach of the common people. It claimed that the right of earning a decent livelihood is being snatched on the pretext of down sizing or right sizing the Government departments and institutions. It demanded that the doctors be reinstated on their previous posts before they were sacked. It believed that the Government could eliminate poverty only by establishing more and more industrial units The HRCP demanded an end to child labour and provide compulsory primary education to children. The Commission viewed the issue of minorities with grave concern reiterating its old demand an end to the communal elections. It deplored that despite commitments, the Government is holding the local bodies elections on communal basis. It thought that it was under the pressure from the religious fanatics and fundamentalists. Yet another resolution called upon WAPDA to discontinue collection of electricity bills from the growers keeping in view the prolonged drought conditions in Balochistan. The HRCP meeting was presided over by Dr. Amiruddin while Mr.. Zahur Shawani Advocate spoke on the law and order situation, political development and prevailing economic conditions. Balochistanexpress.com 12.9.00