Lahore, February 10: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has demanded a transparent inquiry into the abduction and murder of a Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) worker in Karachi and called for probing complaints by the party of extra-judicial killing and illegal detention of its workers.

In a press statement issued on Monday, HRCP said: “The MQM has repeatedly complained about illegal arrests, detention and extra-judicial killings of its workers and supporters in Karachi because of their political affiliation. The party has accused law enforcement personnel of such excesses, particularly after the commencement of a targeted operation in Karachi since August last year.

“These are extremely serious charges and HRCP always hopes and expects that such charges anywhere in Pakistan would be investigated to the fullest without the need for the authorities to be constantly implored to do so.

“HRCP is particularly concerned about the killing of Salman Nooruddin, said to be an MQM worker, who was picked up allegedly by law enforcement personnel on February 3. His nephew was also detained along with him but was later freed. Salman’s body was found dumped in Karachi’s Shah Latif Town the following day. The body reportedly showed severe torture marks, which was also noted in the post mortem report.

“HRCP calls upon the government and particularly the Sindh chief minister to ensure an early judicial probe into Salman’s killing and in all other cases where illegal detention, disappearance or extra-judicial killing of individuals has been alleged on account of political affiliation.

“The authorities should also make sure that prompt information and cooperation is extended to courts when families of victims invoke the judicial process to seek the whereabouts of their loved ones. Unfortunately, that has not been the experience of the families in the past despite repeated court directions to the security agencies and the authorities.

“The state should also remain mindful of its obligation to provide security of life to the citizens and where it has failed in that obligation it must give compensation and all possible assistance to the victims’ families to get justice.”

Zohra Yusuf

Chairperson