Panel formed to enquire into riots
By Saad Saud

ISLAMABAD—Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro on Friday formally constituted a Commission to assess damages/losses caused to ordinary citizens during disturbances after the tragic death of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The commission, to be headed by U.A.G. Isani, will have members/representatives from respective Home Department, Inspector General Police and Revenue Department.
A notification in this respect has been issued by theMinistry of Interior. The Commission will submit its report to the government within 30 days of this notification. The notification reads as follows: A Commission is hereby constituted under Section 3 of the Pakistan Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1956, with the powers under
Section 4 & 5 of the same Act, to evaluate the extent of damages to private property throughout the country and recommend adequate compensation to be extended for losses suffered by ordinary citizens as a result of acts of looting, robbery, arson and other unlawful activities in the aftermath of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. 2. The Commission shall have the following members:-i. Mr. U.A.G. Isani (President). ii. Representative of respective Home Department. iii. Representative of respective Inspector General of Police. iv. Representative of respective Revenue Department. 3.
The Terms of Reference of the Commission are as below: a) The Commission shall compile information on the extent of private losses (both to person and to property) occurring as a direct result of such acts; b) For private losses suffered, the Commission shall undertake a detailed assessment of i) loss of life and bodily injuries; and ii) damages to private property / business (specially small business); c) The Commission shall recommend appropriate compensation to affected persons and suggest a suitable disbursement policy; d) The Commission may recommend any additionalpolicies/measures that may help in rehabilitation of affected persons; e) The Commission shall apportion blame and identify groups of miscreants/gangs who took advantage of the situation in the garb of outpouring of the grief and indulged in loot, arson, killings and destruction of private property. f) The Commission shall submit its report to the government within 30 days of this notification.
The government has constituted a commission to ascertain the loss of life and property during the recent acts of looting, arson and violent rioting in the aftermath of assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
A press release issued in this connection reports that the commission formed under section 3 of the Pakistan Commissions of Inquiry act, 1956, with powers conferred under section 4, 5 also seeks to compensate the victims.
Formed under the president ship of U.A.G. Isani the commission has been assigned to compile information regarding private losses, in life and property occurred as a reaction to murder of Benazir Bhutto, and recommend appropriate compensation to affectees.
It has also been assigned to identify groups / persons responsible for taking advantage and engaging in notorious acts of violence, arson and looting, within 30 days time of this notification.