September 05, 2006	Tuesday	Sha'aban 11, 1427

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LAHORE, Sept 4: The Human Right Commission of Pakistan on Monday claimed that the “reckless” military actions in Balochistan and target-killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti have resulted in terrible consequences, being displayed in deep anger and protests all over the province.

In a press statement, it said it was even worse that the operation was still continuing, with troops currently moving into Kohlu district. “The deliberate official attempts at distortion and deception and the farcical funeral conducted in Dera Bugti have aggravated the situation,” it added.

“The HRCP reiterates its stance that only a democratic government can resolve the crises the nation is facing at present. An independent commission to investigate the murder of Nawab Akbar Bugti and many other human rights violations in Balochistan needs to be set up immediately. The role of intelligence agencies and security forces in perpetration of these abuses must fall within the purview of the commission.”

The HRCP said the reports of attacks on girls’ schools, video shops and barber shops in the NWFP were alarming. Dozens of FM radio’s monopolised by religious lobbies continue to function. If a single satellite telephone could be tracked down in the wilderness of Balochistan, it seemed inconceivable that authorities have not been able to close down these radio stations.

The HRCP demanded an end to the `state patronage’ of extremist groups.

“Undue delays in the disposal of cases, shortages of judges and nepotism in courts continue to deny people justice. The sectarian murder of ATC judge Jamshed Khan Jadoon in Gilgit a few weeks ago shows some of the threats judges face. It is disturbing that the declaration issued at the end of the International Judicial Conference in Islamabad seeks promotion of alternative dispute resolution, in the context of Pakistan, this means tribal jirgas and the suffering imposed on vulnerable people as a result of the verdicts of these jirgas is already in evidence.

“Similarly, the disappearance of dozens of people picked up by security agencies across the country is a disturbing new trend. The HRCP has received many complaints from across the country, and is compiling details of the cases. It calls on the government to locate all the people reported by their families to have ‘disappeared’ and to penalise those responsible for illegally detaining them.

“Sectarian and religious intolerance is growing. Non-Muslim citizens have faced numerous attacks. A temple in Karachi has been encroached upon and is being used to slaughter cows. There have been more and more complaints regarding forced conversion of Hindu and Christian girls and in June, about 100 Ahmadis were forced out of their village near Daska, in Sialkot district. This dangerous division in society on the basis of belief, and the official support given to discrimination, can only add to the dangers currently facing society.

“The ban imposed on teachers’ unions or associations in Sindh is illegal and the HRCP demands an end to all restrictions on unions, including those of students. The absence of these unions has contributed to the stifling environment, which has created so much frustration among all young people across the country.”

In addition to these issues, the HRCP secretary general, in his report also disclosed the continued failure to scrap laws discriminatory to women, increased harassment of journalists suffering caused by floods, the breakdown of civic amenities in Karachi and other cities and the dumping of hazardous toxic waste. The HRCP council regretted that these issues remained unresolved for the last one year or so, and sought an immediate return to democratic government so that the pressing problems of ordinary people could be swiftly and effectively addressed.