Lahore, October 3: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called 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 country’s democratic future.

The HRCP executive council, which met in Karachi to consider the human rights situation in the country, issued on Monday a statement to underline key concerns. The Commission said: “HRCP wishes to voice its grave concern over militarization of significant aspects of decision-making and the civilian government increasingly ceding space to the military establishment.

“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 build-up of tensions between the two countries is diverting attention from the urgent need to resolve the lingering Kashmir dispute according to the wishes of the people of the disputed region.

“The authorities’ systematic attempts to try and harass HRCP, other civil society organisations and educational institutions through visits by intelligence and security agencies’ personnel and other ploys have led to a general climate of fear and intimidation. However, we will not be cowed down by these deplorable tactics and will continue to call for respect for rights and highlight violations. The agencies would do well to 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 are many reports of citizens’ rights being violated, particularly with respect to repatriation of displaced citizens. Insensitive handling of the repatriation exercise has fuelled hopelessness and anger. These matters need to be investigated and things set right.

“FATA reforms have been a longstanding demand of citizens. However, it is shocking that the body formed to consider such reform has no representation from FATA and there are no women on the committee either. The efforts to give primacy to Rewaj and empower jirga does not augur well for rule of law and due process rights. HRCP vehemently rejects any attempt to deny fundamental rights to some citizens of the country on the basis of their domicile.

“An HRCP fact-finding mission to Gilgit-Baltistan has noted arbitrary decisions being taken there and activists and journalists being harassed. There is widespread misuse of anti-terror laws. The people there are 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 are pressing matters in need of urgent attention. We hope the government will not waste any more time in beginning an earnest effort to address these.”

Zohra Yusuf
Chairperson
On behalf of HRCP Executive Council