KARACHI: Civil society groups and networks have called on the federal and provincial governments to urgently address multiple human rights crises across the country.
At a presser here, representatives of the groups and networks said that increasing state authoritarianism, suppression of dissent by force, restrictions on press freedom and the rapidly growing influence of the establishment over governance have led to widespread discontent. The short-term enforced disappearance of journalists and rights activists is now significant cause for alarm.
The role of the establishment has snowballed at the cost of democratic governance. Projects such as the ‘Green Initiative’ have given corporate and military entities unfair control of the country’s natural resources, thereby sidelining indigenous communities. Allegations of political interference in the judiciary have also shaken public confidence in the legal system.
Religious extremism continues to be weaponized against marginalized groups, particularly in Punjab against the Ahmadiyya community. The growing influence of militants in Pakistan’s border regions, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has left ordinary people increasingly vulnerable to violence and extortion, creating a climate of constant fear.
In Balochistan, what began as a struggle for fundamental rights is now being labelled ‘terrorism’ by the state. Rather than initiating a political dialogue with stakeholders in the province, the authorities have continued to use disproportionate force against protestors, resorting to mass arrests. At the same time, militant groups have begun to target civilians with alarming frequency. In Sindh, protests against the controversial construction of canals on the Indus have intensified, given that any such move would be a direct assault on people’s environmental rights.
For their part, the federal government and political opposition have as yet been unable to reach a sorely needed consensus on the country’s future. The role of Parliament has receded, with laws passed hastily and without deliberation. Meanwhile, continued inflation, youth unemployment and labour rights violations remain rampant. Minimum wage laws are not enforced, pensioners are denied their dues, and government and private sector employees contend with delayed salaries.
Members of civil society have put forward the following demands:
Political solution to the Balochistan crisis, an end to enforced disappearances and the unconditional release of all those detained after the recent protests.
An immediate halt to the construction of canals on the Indus Rive and a transparent water use policy that reflects the will of the people. An end to corporate land grabbing in the guise of agricultural development. Abolition of oppressive laws, including PECA, and a rollback of policies restricting civil liberties. Redistribution of government-owned land to landless farmers in Sindh and other regions.
Those present on the occasion were Asad Iqbal Butt, chairperson Human Rights Commission of Pakistan; Mahnaz Rehman, member Women’s Action Forum (Karachi); Khalique Junejo, chairman Jeay Sindh Mahaz; Nasir Mansoor, secretary general National Trade Union Federation; Riaz Shaikh, dean of arts at SZABIST University and Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed.
