LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called for intimidation of civil society organisations (CSOs) and the civilian government allowing important matters to slip out of its hands regrettable developments, which would have grave implications for the democratic future of the country.
The Executive Council of HRCP, which met in Karachi to consider the human rights situation in the country, issued a statement on Monday to underline key concerns of the commission. “HRCP wishes to voice its grave concerns over militarisation of significant aspects of decision making and the civilian government increasingly ceding space for the military establishment,” the statement said.
“It is alarming that this is happening amid the sabre-rattling between Pakistan and India. The jingoism from both sides is deplorable and must cease immediately. The need for peace cannot be stressed enough. HRCP calls upon the media to play its role in building peace rather than beating the drums of war. The tensions between the two countries are diverting attention from the urgent need to resolve the lingering Kashmir dispute according to the wishes of the people of the disputed region”, it said.
According to the statement, “The systematic attempts of authorities to try and harass HRCP, other civil society organisations and educational institutions through visits by intelligence and security agencies’ personnel have led to a general climate of fear and intimidation. However, we will not be scared by these deplorable tactics and will continue to call for respect for rights and would highlight violations. The agencies would spend their energies in ensuring safety and security for the citizens, instead of harassing the civil society organisations and rights defenders.”
“HRCP has been greatly perturbed by numerous concerns in the context of internal displacement from North Waziristan Agency. There were many reports of citizens’ rights being violated, particularly with respect to repatriation of displaced citizens. The insensitive handling of the repatriation exercise has fuelled hopelessness and anger. These matters need to be investigated and things set right”, the statement said.
“FATA reforms have been a longstanding demand of citizens. However, it is shocking that the body formed to consider such reforms has no representation from FATA and there are no women in the committee. The effort to give dominance to rewaj and empower jirga does not promise for rule of law and rights. HRCP rejects any attempt to deny fundamental rights to some citizens of the country on the basis of their domicile”, it added.
“An HRCP fact finding mission to Gilgit-Baltistan has noted arbitrary decisions being taken, as activists and journalists were being harassed there. There is widespread misuse of anti-terror laws. The people were frustrated that their demand for a clear constitutional status, either as part of Pakistan or as a region with a special status, remains unfulfilled. These were pressing matters in the need of urgent attention,” it said.
