Human Rights Watch has raised concerns over the human rights violations in Pakistan over the recent incidents against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists.
According to a human rights report released by the United States, police in Pakistan took action against human rights in clashes with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists, baton-charged protesters and detained them under the serious anti-terrorism law.
Associate Director of Human Rights Watch Patricia Gossman has said, “Both law enforcement and protesters must show restraint and respect for human rights and the rule of law, and it is extremely important for the police to respect the right to peaceful protest and bring those responsible for illegal violence to account.”
Authorities should not violate the right to peaceful protest by using force and take legal action against those involved in the provocation, the report said.
Gossman said that the use of anti-terrorism provisions in cases against anti-protesters in Pakistan is extremely worrisome, if the authorities believe that Imran Khan or his supporters tortured policemen or feared human rights violations by them they should be punished under the relevant law.
It may be recalled that dozens of people were injured in a clash between police and PTI workers on the occasion of the appearance of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in a subordinate court in Islamabad, several vehicles and a police post were set on fire, after which several people, including the PTI chairman, were booked under terrorism sections, and 2000 PTI workers were arrested.
The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism criticized the terrorism law saying that these laws should not be used on nab of murder or attempt to murder, physical violence or hostage-taking.
The report added that the United Nations has established international laws regarding the use of force and firearms by law enforcement personnel including that security forces use non-violent means as far as possible, and that force should only be used when it is strictly necessary to protect lives.
The report stressed that not only Pakistan but all governments should ensure that senior officials are held accountable and punished for the misuse of force and firearms by law enforcement officials. But if they have tried to stop such actions, then those concerned should be punished, while the protesters also have a responsibility to remain peaceful and obey the law.
