Finally the National Security Policy has been drafted. In a high level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, and attended by all the bigwigs, including the Chief of Army Staff, the briefing was given by the defense secretary over the policy drafted. This bill should be presented and debated in the national assembly before it is finally passed with consensus of all parties. It should be released for soliciting the public’s opinion as well. I think the Interior Minister must have worked hard to form this policy with some experts. We must thoroughly read the draft, as it is a sensitive matter. The fundamental rights could be compromised in the name of tightening security.
The new policy must have clauses that ensure that no one is arrested or detained without recourse to law. Illegal detentions must be stopped and the courts must understand the legalities. Freedom and pursuit of happiness must remain the major concern of the people. The overzealous concern for the National Security can inflict serious injury to the human rights. No compromise should be made on the basic rights of the individuals under this policy.
JAVAID BASHIR,
Lahore, December 18.