In the backdrop of economic deprivation and rising unemployment, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has voiced deep concern over the surging sense of powerlessness among ordinary citizens in the country, as reported by The News International on Monday.
The HRCP noted that the upcoming general elections have resulted in a manipulation of political dynamics, dealing severe blows to democracy, electoral processes, and the rule of law. The Commission, resilient in its commitment to transparency, expressed its determination to hold the state accountable for imposed restrictions as the electoral event draws near.
The current scenario has witnessed heightened pressures on the media, with journalists being summarily dismissed for expressing dissenting views. Additionally, many have been barred from reporting on recent events in areas such as Parachinar and Chaman. The HRCP firmly condemned the ongoing curbs on freedom of expression.
Calling for accountability, the Commission urged the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances to address its suboptimal track record. In cases where victims’ families have sought justice, the HRCP implored the courts to identify perpetrators, ensure accountability, and provide reparations to victims and their families.
Highlighting the precarious law and order situation in the Kachha areas of Sindh and Punjab, the HRCP called for urgent attention. The Commission emphasized the need for provincial governments to address residents’ valid suspicions of influential figures exploiting the deteriorating security situation for financial or political gain.
The HRCP demanded the prompt mainstreaming of newly merged districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, empowering local bodies without further delay. Expressing concern over the revival of the FATA Tribunal, the Commission urged the government to monitor the situation in Parachinar and safeguard people’s right to security, preventing further sectarian violence.
The rising number of suicides, particularly in Sindh, South Punjab, and Gilgit, has become a cause for concern, closely linked to the escalating poverty in these regions. The HRCP advocated for special protection for child domestic workers, vulnerable to abuse and sexual violence, and strongly condemned the recent ban in Kohistan on women working at NGOs. Additionally, the Commission opposed the ongoing drive to deport Afghan nationals, emphasizing the protection of people’s right to fair wages and safe working conditions, particularly for fisherfolk, miners, and sanitation workers.
The News International reported that the HRCP is also alarmed by the continuous allotment of collectively owned land in Gilgit-Baltistan to private individuals, highlighting the impact of environmental degradation on people’s right to health and livelihood in the region.
By ANI
