ISLAMABAD, Feb 11: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has expressed its grave concern over the deterioration in the situation of basic human rights and civil liberties in Pakistan.

The JAC statement said it envisions a Pakistan where the society was free from oppressive patriarchal socio-cultural norms and customs.

The JAC has also decided to hold a peaceful rally from China Chowk to National Assembly on the first day of the upcoming parliamentary session on February 25.

The demonstration will commence at 12pm with presentation of a petition to parliamentary members, the JAC said in a statement issued on Tuesday to mark the Pakistani Women’s Day observed every year on February 12.

“We call upon all thinking, conscience driven, patriotic groups and individuals to join us in our ongoing struggle. Come and unite in our endeavours to protest against discriminatory laws pertaining to women,” the statement added.

“February 12 marks the twentieth anniversary of the notorious police brutality and illegal action against a group of unarmed men and women activists demonstrating peacefully against the Qanoon-i-Shahadat (law of evidence) outside the Lahore High Court during martial law regime of General Ziaul Haq in 1983.

“With specific reference to human rights, we strongly reiterate our longstanding demands for the repeal of retrogressive and discriminatory legislation such as the Hudood Ordinance, law of evidence, Qisas and Diyat Ordinance.

“It is a high time for us as a civilized nation to break the shameful silence and complacency about the suffering of women and remove these laws from our society.

The NGOs that are part of the joint action committee include Mubariza, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Women Action Forum, Sustainable Development Policy Institute, Aurat Foundation, Pattan Development Organization, Rozan, Sungi, UKS, IWWA, Nomad, Bedari and Sach.