Lahore, January 11: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has noted with concern the issuance of death warrants for a man in Sukkur jail and demanded withdrawal of the order, calling upon the government to continue with the informal moratorium on the death penalty in place since 2008.

A statement issued by the Commission on Tuesday said: “HRCP is concerned at the issuance of death warrants for a man detained in Sukkur Jail whose hanging is scheduled for 6:30 am on January 12. This is contrary to the policy followed since 2008. We call upon the government to urgently withdraw the warrants and also demand that the government issue another notification staying execution of all death penalty convicts in Pakistan, as the notification issued by the president in August last year had suspended executions until December 31.

The informal moratorium on the death penalty has created a great deal of goodwill at home and abroad and that must not be allowed to go to waste. HRCP reiterates its view that work to turn the informal execution moratorium into a permanent one should be expedited.”

Dr Mehdi Hasan

Chairperson