MINUTES OF THE VISIT OF SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE AND DEFENCE PRODUCTION TO SWABI ON DEFENCE OF PAKISTAN DAY - 6TH SEPTEMBER 2012.

On the Defence Day of Pakistan, the Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production undertook a visit to pay homage to the heroes and martyrs of the Pakistan Armed Forces in line with its policy and work plan. The Committee visited the burial site of Shaheed Capt. Karnal Sher Khan, situated in Swabi, district of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa province. The following Members of the Committee visited alongwith a Member of the Senate of Pakistan who joined voluntarily:-

1) Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed Chairman
2) Senator Farhatullah Babar Member Committee
3) Senator Sehar Kamran    Member Committee
4) Senator Col. ® Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi Member Committee
5) Senator Sardar Ali Khan Member Committee
6) Senator Nisar Muhammad Khan Member Senate
7) Mr. Amjed Pervez, Special Secretary Senate Secretary Committee

2. The Chairman and Members of the Committee departed from the Parliament House at 06:45 a.m. and were escorted by an officer of the Pakistan Army especially deputed as per coordination and arrangements with the Inter Services Public Relation.

3. On arrival at Swabi senior officers of the Pakistan Army as well as local administration received the Committee. The family members including Father and Brother of Shaheed Capt. Karnal Sher Khan were present along with a number of other local notables, and relatives. Brig. Faisal Mushtaq, Commander 11 Core Logistic, also joined for the special ceremony.

4. The Chairman of the Committee, who had been actively involved in the award of the Nishan-e-Haider to Shaheed Capt. Karnal Sher Khan in 1999 as Federal Information Minister, shared with the Members of the family and other participants of the gathering, the story of bravery and sacrifice of the Shaheed which was duly acknowledged even by the enemies.  

5. The Chairman and Members of the Committee participated in the special formal ceremony of laying wreath on the grave of the Shaheed and offered Fatiha.

6. After the formal ceremony, the Chairman of the Committee addressed the gathering as well as media persons. He said that the visit of the Committee was in line with the policy and action plan adopted under his Chairmanship whereby the Committee was playing the role of bridging the gap between Khaki and Mufti. He said that  the visit was another step to show solidarity with the brave soldiers who had sacrificed their lives in the defence of the country as the Committee had earlier visited families of Shaheeds of Gayari Sector. He said that it was possible for the Committee to visit any site around Islamabad but the Committee decided to visit Swabi to acknowledge the sacrifices being rendered by the people and Forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa province.

7. The Chairman Committee, after consultation with other Members and the representatives of the Pakistan Army, announced that a museum and library may be established adjacent to the burial side. He asked the Members of the family / local notables to submit a proposal in this regard to Senator Sardar Ali Khan who will followup with the Federal and Provincial Governments for necessary funds and other facilitation.

8. While talking to Brig. Faisal Mushtaq, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed suggested that he may take up the case for collaboration in establishment of museum and library as well as convey the desire of the Committee to undertake a visit of North Waziristan.

9. The father of the Shaheed, speaking on the occasion, thanked the Committee especially its Chairman Mushahid Hussain Sayed for visiting and showing solidarity. He said that Capt. Karnal Sher Khan belonged to everyone as a Shaheed and holder of Nishan-e-Haider.

10.The Chairman of the Committee Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed thanked the family members of the Shaheed, Jawans and Officers of the Pakistan Army who conducted the ceremony and ISPR for coordination and excellent arrangements.


(Amjed Pervez)                                                         (Mushahid Hussain Sayed)
Special Secretary /Secretary Committee                      Chairman Committee