WASHINGTON: Amnesty International urged Pakistan on Monday not to use disproportionate force to suppress protests that followed Mumtaz Qadri’s hanging.

Noting that protests against the hanging had been sweeping across Pakistan, the rights group said that the authorities must ensure that the security forces avoid resorting to use of force.

“If force is used, then it should be necessary and proportionate to contain such violence, and with a focus only on the individuals posing a threat. They must respect the right of protesters to demonstrate peacefully.” Iturged Pakistan to “urgently reform the blasphemy laws to be in line with international law and standards."

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2016