Press release

‘Authorities’ response to PTM rally is unjustified’: HRCP

Lahore, 12 May 2018. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has strongly condemned the authorities’ clampdown on activists associated with the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) days before the latter is scheduled to hold a public rally in Karachi.

In a statement issued today, HRCP has reiterated that all people have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly: ‘The Commission is gravely concerned over reports that more than 150 PTM activists and sympathizers – including Karachi University professor Dr Riaz Ahmed – have gone missing or been arrested, many of them on charges of sedition and terrorism. The authorities’ disproportionate response is unwarranted, given that the PTM rallies held to date have remained peaceful.’

‘That the authorities have, once again, escalated their efforts to suppress the PTM is cause for serious concern. There is no credible reason for having prevented Manzoor Pashteen from boarding his flight to Karachi to attend the 13 May rally.’ The Commission is also ‘disturbed to learn that Naghma Shaikh, a Democratic Student Federation leader was detained and physically harassed. Ms Shaikh, who was on her way overseas alleges that the authorities took away her passport and money. HRCP condemns such excessive tactics and strongly urges the government to refrain from interfering in people’s right to peaceful assembly.’

Dr Mehdi Hasan

Chairperson