Lahore, February 2: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has voiced grave concern over the killing of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) staff member and injuries to four other persons after law enforcement personnel resorted to violence against employees protesting against the airline’s privatization near the Karachi airport.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission said: “HRCP condemns the killing of a PIA worker and injuries to four others in a firing incident. Television footage from earlier in the day showed police and Rangers personnel using batons, water cannon and tear gas against protesters when they began to move towards the airport.

“Every citizen is entitled to the freedom of peaceful protest. The PIA employees have repeatedly voiced their misgivings over the proposed PIA privatization. It is a matter of great concern that shots were fired at the protesters on Tuesday. Whether this was proportionate use of force is a separate discussion, and this point needs judicial examination. Both official law enforcement agencies with personnel at the scene are now saying that they did not use firearms. The Sindh Rangers have stated that the paramilitary force had not fired any bullets and a senior police officer has said that police were not allowed to open fire or beat up the workers.

“HRCP condemns unreservedly the violence that resulted in the killing and calls for a prompt and credible investigation by a superior court judge to assign responsibility and bring those involved to justice.

“It would have been better if the matter were handled in a manner that did not necessitate street protests. HRCP urges the government to make all possible efforts to resolve the issue in an expeditious and amicable manner, taking into account the PIA employees’ concerns. After all the blind push for privatization of the airline and other public utilities is being opposed not only by the employees concerned but also by independent economists of standing. In any case, every effort must be made to ensure that differences over the issue do not lead to any further violence or confrontation.”

 Zohra Yusuf
Chairperson