Lahore: September 03: While strongly condemning the beheading of 12 soldiers by the Taliban, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has warned all institutions, especially political parties, of the catastrophic consequences of their failure to resist militancy. In a statement issued here today, the commission said:

“The barbaric beheading of 12 Pakistani soldiers and killing by gunfire of some others by the Taliban adds a new grisly chapter to the long list of outrages committed by the extremists. Fifteen soldiers were reported to have been captured by the Taliban in an action in Bajaur some days ago. Not content with the execution of its captives the militant group organized a display of the victims’ decapitated heads and their uniforms and insignia, and sent videos to news services. Their announcement itself will send a chill down the spine of any civilized person. “Many of them,” they declared, “were killed by bullets, 12 of them as you see have been beheaded, you see 12 heads here, and more are on the way.”

“HRCP offers its deeply-felt condolences to the families of the victims who perished while performing their duties, and hopes that nobody will oblige the killers by being cowed down by terrorism. Indeed the brutalities inflicted by the militants should steel the people’s resolve to fight the monster of extremism till its complete defeat. The latest incident should awaken all those elements in government and civil society, especially the political parties, that still have a soft corner for the militants. Their attitude amounts to collusion with heartless murderers and their failure to take a stand against extremism will surely push the country towards a catastrophe of unimaginable magnitude.”

Zohra Yusuf

Chairperson