March 14, 2008	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 5, 1429

LAHORE, March 13: The situation of human rights and that of its defenders deteriorated in Pakistan over the past year because of US interference, according to the Paris-based International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH). A communiqué issued by after a fact-finding mission in Pakistan in collaboration with the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan calls for immediate release of the deposed chief justice and, his family, reinstatement of judges, respect for physical and psychological integrity of all Pakistani human rights defenders and respect for independence of the judiciary.

Enforced disappearances, generalised attacks against civilian population during popular gatherings or in military operations, repression of movements seeking recognition of their identity, particularly in Balochistan, deterioration of the condition of women, discrimination against religious minorities, gagging of media, persecution, summary and arbitrary arrests of human rights defenders are among the most flagrant human rights violations documented by the mission.

The communiqué pointed out that many of the attacks were carried out under the guise of ‘fight against terrorism’ with the active support of the US. The US interference contributed in a significant way to the deterioration of human rights in the region, it added.

The mission called upon the political parties, which have emerged as significant players after the Feb 18 elections, to work for the rule of law through human rights protections, religious and gender non-discrimination and freedom of expression.