On the directive of Sindh Human Rights Commission Chairperson Mr. Iqbal Ahmed Detho, a significant public hearing occurred at St. Joseph Church, Latifabad, Hyderabad, Chaired by SHRC Board Member Mr. Sukhdev Assardas Hemnani.
The event included key stakeholders from the Christian community, law enforcement, and religious leaders In the opening address, Mr. Sukhdev Hemnani briefed the participants about the powers and functions of the Commission and read out the core objectives of the public hearing i.e. to understand pressing HR issues being faced by the Christian Community.
Ms. Maria Naveed, in charge Human Rights Cell Identified a trend of underreporting among the Christian community, emphasizing the importance of reporting cases to the police.
It was shared that the nature of Complaints mainly centered around the Local Government Institutions and the security of their graveyards, People complained about non-payment of Minimum Wages, Unlawful dismissal from services, Occupational Health and Safety of the Sanitary workers, Non-Payment of pensions and other retirement dues to the legal heirs and lack of civic facilities like open manholes in their streets making commuters vulnerable to accidents, etc.
Furthermore, graveyard security appeared to be the main issue as the participants alleged land mafia of usurping their graveyard lands.
Mr. Adnan Ali Khaskhaly, Superintendent Complaints & Inquiries shared that the Commission will conduct a fact-finding on the issues concerning Local Government Department. The fact-finding team will look into the Payment of Pension issues, Occupational Health and Safety of sanitary workers, payment of wages, and other related issues. Based on its findings, the Commission will issue its detailed report to the Government.
In the Closing of the public hearing, Father Jamil Albert expressed gratitude to the Commission for engaging with the community and requested follow-up on the raised issues.