WASHINGTON, Oct 11: Ahead of expected street demonstrations on Friday, Amnesty International has called on Pakistani security forces and the leaders of groups organizing protests to exercise restraint and show respect for the human rights of civilians.

In a statement, the international human rights organization points out that in the last few days, violent protests in Pakistan have left four people dead and dozens injured.

“Protests planned for Friday must not result in the loss of more life —— both security personnel and protest organizers must do their utmost to avoid bloodshed,” Amnesty said.

It refers to the Oct 9 incident in Kuchlak, a small town close to Quetta, when three Afghan refugees were shot dead by police, who claimed they fired in self-defence when thousands of protesters, including the Afghan refugees, attacked the police station. However, local observers have told Amnesty International that police did not use teargas first to control the mob nor did they issue a warning before opening fire.

Amnesty said the government of Pakistan must ensure that all security personnel strictly abide by international standards on the use of force and firearms and act with restraint even during violent protests. Those responsible for using excessive force should be brought to justice.

The organization also draws attention to the attacks on civilians by violent protesters. Workers of non-governmental organizations have been particularly targeted in the last few days as these organizations were perceived by Islamist groups to advance “Western” interests. Some NGOs have reportedly begun to withdraw their staff to safer areas as a result.

On October 9 in Takhtbhai, Frontier Province, the offices of the Women and Children Welfare Organization, the Saalik Welfare Organization and a community based hospital were set on fire and its workers fled to safety.

In Quetta, UN buildings were attacked and the United Nations Children’s Educational Fund building was set on fire.

Amnesty International is calling on the Islamist groups organizing the protests to urge demonstrators to exercise restraint and to scrupulously respect the human rights of all civilians, including journalists, foreign nationals and NGO staff.