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ISLAMABAD: The European Union (EU) has sharply reacted over lifting of the moratorium on the death penalty in Pakistan, and has demanded its immediate restoration on Wednesday.
"We believe that the death penalty is not an effective tool in the fight against terrorism," the EU envoy to Pakistan Lars-Gunnar Wigemark and other delegates said in a joint statement.
The envoy further added that the EU delegation regrets the decision of the Pakistani government to lift the moratorium on executions, which had been in place since 2008.
Read more: Nawaz removes moratorium on death penalty
Last week, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had approved the lifting of the moratorium on the death penalty after a Taliban attack in Peshawar killed 148 people, including more than 130 schoolchildren.
In the wake of the lifting of the moratorium on the death penalty, four death-row prisoners, who were convicted for involvement in an attack on former military ruler Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf, were executed last week on Sunday, at a district jail in Faisalabad.
Whereas, two former military men were also executed last week, in the Faisalabad district jail. Usman a former soldier of the army’s medical corps, was executed in relation to an attack on the headquarters of the Pakistan Army in 2009 in Rawalpindi. Arshad Mehmood, who was a trooper and also hanged, was among five convicts who were handed out the death sentence for their role in an Al Qaeda-inspired assassination attempt on Musharraf’s life in late 2003.
Also read: Four convicts in Musharraf attack case executed in Faisalabad
Ambassador Wigenmark also said that the EU remains opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances and expressed hope that the moratorium will be re-established at the earliest.
On the other hand, the envoy assured that the EU stands by Pakistan's side and shares its grief after the horrific attack on the school in Peshawar.
The EU Delegation also welcomes the resolve of Pakistanis to deal with the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism in all of its manifestation.
More on this: Militant siege of Peshawar school ends, 141 killed
At least 148 people, including 132 schoolchildren, died when Taliban gunmen had attacked the Army Public School in Peshawar on December 16.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (80) Closed
Dec 24, 2014 12:26pm
but drones are effective?
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Dec 24, 2014 12:27pm
Ignore the EU.
They can give immigration visas to TTP terrorists and then give them as the human rights they want.
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Dec 24, 2014 12:32pm
Dear Sir,
Sorry but we do-not agree with EU views,
Your way has not worked up-til now so lets try our way now.
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Dec 24, 2014 12:32pm
Is he serious? One should learn to respect that other countries are better aware of how to handle the terrorism threat in their own country.
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Dec 24, 2014 12:33pm
Was not expecting such a response from EU on this.
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Dec 24, 2014 12:37pm
Why does it hurt the EU if we kill terrorists ? Where are these statements when the US kills innocent people in drone attacks ?
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Dec 24, 2014 12:41pm
EU should be told to focus on addressing the economic, social and environmental problems plaguing the EU member states. What will work or not work in the nation state of PAKISTAN, is a matter for the inhabitants of the land to decide.
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Dec 24, 2014 12:43pm
Then EU members including UK should stop demanding Pakistan to "do more" to control terrorism. What EU is doing is politically terrorising Pakistan by making confusing demands.
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Dec 24, 2014 12:45pm
EU can import all these terrorists and then can exercise human rights as much as it likes. As long as they are in our country they do not behave like humans hence no rights also.
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Dec 24, 2014 12:48pm
@hyat well said..
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Dec 24, 2014 12:50pm
we want to clean our country so whatever it takes to clean it we have to do it.
Human rights and EU having so concerns, so after 9/11 Iraq and Syria is living peacefully.
Government should act more swiftly rather than keep talking.
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Dec 24, 2014 12:53pm
EU should consider the extraordinary circumstances that our people face and they should know that it may not be the best deterrence against suicide attacks but it still deters their abettors and financiers. When the situation normalizes we may revert to the humanitarian principles that EU advocates for. But in Pakistan , these criminals don't face the penalty and many times they have even managed to break the jails. So we cannot feed these animals when they are killing our innocents.
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Dec 24, 2014 12:58pm
Is Pakistan part of EU? Pakistan can make its own decision, what is good or bad, without foreign intervention.
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Dec 24, 2014 01:04pm
I hope the government would not surrender to this demand of EU. We want all terrorists to be hanged till death.
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Dec 24, 2014 01:06pm
True but war against terrorism is very effective. Once again will EU clarify what war means? I am a little confused.
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Dec 24, 2014 01:10pm
EU wanted to Pakistan become another Syria or Iraq if they are so concerned about murderers they can always relocate them in EU countries they are most welcome !
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Dec 24, 2014 01:12pm
We can't care less what an undemocratic unelected institution like the EU thinks. It itself is in the verge of disintegration and has no right to tell us, a sovereign state, what to do. Nawaz please execute each and every convict on death row.
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Dec 24, 2014 01:23pm
@ayesha very well said! lolz
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Dec 24, 2014 01:26pm
A few years ago during flooding after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans there was mass looting of shops by locals. In order to prevent this the governor gave shoot on sight orders to deter any looters. It worked. Desperate times require desperate measures.
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Dec 24, 2014 01:38pm
Lose you children to terrorist attacks and then we will talk!!!!!
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Dec 24, 2014 01:51pm
Who is asking you dear EU. Please don't print such reports which create confusion in innocent minds. We need to hang terrorist and this is decided. Mind your own business dear EU. You are giving asylums to terrorist and carpet bombing the Afghanistan and Iraq. Where is your nobility at that time.
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Dec 24, 2014 01:52pm
As a Muslim should trust in the benefit of Qisas. Rebellion is worse than carnage. Enforcement of Laws is the key of success of every nation.
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Dec 24, 2014 01:53pm
Will the EU leave us alone this is not their society and we have had enough. One is also tempted to ask as to why should they be interested in our society at the same time failing to stop their citizens from joining ISIS
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Dec 24, 2014 01:54pm
Where were you when our 70,000 people were killed one by one? Pakistan shall be ashamed of itself if it bows to international pressure. Its we who are frightened all the time when any of our family member goes out of their house, not them. We have every right to protect ourself the way we think is right.
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Dec 24, 2014 01:55pm
All the western countries do what they want to do. In this world the restrictions are always put on others who are suffering from terrorism. It appears they are supporting Talibans. What about Saudi Arabia and even Jordan who hanged 18 criminals few days ago. Did they asked them to do the same?
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Dec 24, 2014 02:11pm
Government needs to use diplomatic channels to convince EU in favor of lifting moratorium on the death penalty in Pakistan. No need to react emotionally.
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Dec 24, 2014 02:22pm
It would be interesting to know EU's stance on the beheadings carried out by the Saudi government every now and then. They need Saudi oil and its petrodollars so they keep quiet.
The terrorsits are killing our children and we need to take counter measures. This is our country and our law. EU should stop interfering in our internal matters.
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Dec 24, 2014 02:29pm
European Union opposes death penalty but favours military operation as a solution to terrorism. I fail to understand the logic behind it.
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Dec 24, 2014 02:34pm
EU is encouraging terrorism in Pakistan.
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Dec 24, 2014 02:38pm
yeh great ... death penalty is not effective ... but drones are effective? aerial bombing is effective? indefinite detention and torture is effective? ...
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Dec 24, 2014 02:43pm
Looks like EU is full of all these caring people who want to save our terrorists.
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Dec 24, 2014 02:46pm
First its Russia then EU. This shows that Pakistan is nothing but a toy in the hands of people with power.
And irony is they think that they are independent.
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Dec 24, 2014 03:02pm
then what is NATO doing in Afghanistan and other countries in the middle east?
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Dec 24, 2014 03:16pm
@Ghalib I like your style of criticism. Blessings and Respect for you...
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Dec 24, 2014 03:17pm
The time has come for Pakistanies to say to the world
"Enough is Enough .....either you are with us or with the terrorists"
.
.
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Dec 24, 2014 03:19pm
Show them the pictures please to EU
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Dec 24, 2014 03:23pm
EU may be opposed to death penalty for any / whatever reason but how come it can
"demand" for immediate restoration of moratorium ?? Let our rulers be brave enough
this time around and tell EU that it is our internal matter ...that we know what is good and
so any body has no business telling us what to do and what not. EU on its part also need to understand that things are different here in Pakistan as compared to their countries and so this death penalty is very necessary. Hope EU withdraws its demand soon and does not continue to press for acceptance of demand.
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Dec 24, 2014 03:33pm
@Azmeen, No, they should have contacted Pakistan before opposing, keeping in mind the carnage of children school of Peshawar. It has nothing to do with emotions.
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Dec 24, 2014 03:36pm
EU supports killing of innocent persons by drones; but opposes penalty to the murderers; what a policy. Can EU stop interfering in others matters?
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Dec 24, 2014 03:38pm
Actively support anti-Pak terrorists on one side and pressurize Pak government not to hang captured terrorists on the other hand. That is the core of enemy policy to push this nation into chaos and civil war. Goal: dismember Pakistan and take away its nukes.
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Dec 24, 2014 03:38pm
If executions are not an effective way to counter terrorism, then perhaps the EU should tell us what is an effective way? After all Europe during the 60s and 70s was afflicted with terrorism spreading across Italy, France and Germany. In addition Britain was fighting the IRA in the 70s and beyond. Perhaps they should share their methods for fighting terrorism first and then advising us how to fight it without capital punishment.
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Dec 24, 2014 03:49pm
Do what's you want Pakistan..
Pakistan zindabad
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Dec 24, 2014 03:52pm
Dear EU, from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia, death penalty is being followed. Why don't you speak against them????
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Dec 24, 2014 03:52pm
Mind your own business, lecture USA to stop human rights violations.
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Dec 24, 2014 04:00pm
@ayesha well said !
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Dec 24, 2014 04:08pm
You believe, we believe...so who is right ? Just because you believe it's not effective does that make you right...?
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Dec 24, 2014 04:09pm
Pakistan should not be affected by such concerns of EU, they shall not be living in Pakistan, rather the nation of Pakistan resides in every nook and corner of it, so the decision by the nation stands atop.
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Dec 24, 2014 04:10pm
@Jack n Jill excellant suggestion .they dare not read it.
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Dec 24, 2014 04:13pm
Where was this EU when Israel was bombing Palestine? they remember all the human rights when criminals are killed.
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Dec 24, 2014 04:13pm
The west minding its own business is the biggest tool in the fight against terrorism.
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Dec 24, 2014 04:21pm
This is not EU ...and operation in Afghanistan for past 2 decades by EU and US is that effective??? So please be to your self and don't poke your nose here in Pakistan
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Dec 24, 2014 04:27pm
The government of pakistan has to decide whether it is with the people of Pakistan (who want terrorists to be hanged) or with the European Union...
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Dec 24, 2014 04:33pm
Please, please please do not listen to the EU, especially for the terror related activities. There is no other way. The death penalty is the most affective way to stop these monsters from carrying out their savage and brutal acts.
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Dec 24, 2014 04:39pm
EU - where was your moral standards when native population of america and australia was wiped out ? Where was your moral standard When millions were pushed into slavery and treated like rabid dog ?
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Dec 24, 2014 04:55pm
The martorium on Death penalty works very well in EU as the crime rate is very lower in EU countries as compared with Pakistan and other asian countries. So EU plz let Pakistan execute those who are causing problem in society.
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Dec 24, 2014 05:09pm
There is alot difference between Pakistan and Europe. Why these so called educated europeans dont understand? If hanging criminals is a human right violation then what about them who were killed by these criminals? They were also humans. They also had a right to live until natural death.
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Dec 24, 2014 05:15pm
If EU objects to execution, they they should accept these prisoners transfer to their jails.
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Dec 24, 2014 05:37pm
@hyat Very good comment. The drone attacks not only kill the terrorists but also many innocents including women and kids....but EU seems to have no problem with this. EU has problem with hangings though it is only applied on terrorists and hardened / serial killers. What a way to go for the EU !!!
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Dec 24, 2014 05:53pm
Our jails are already overcrowded by these thugs and our public is not much educated; so European standards can not be applied here. This is the country where taliban attacks the jail in evening and frees their friends overnight.
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Dec 24, 2014 06:02pm
Pakistan should not listen to EU
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Dec 24, 2014 06:08pm
We, in Pakistan, believe it's our kids who died. Hence, we dole out punishment as we see appropriate. We do not need the help of other people's beliefs. We respect them but do not agree to them.
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Dec 24, 2014 06:26pm
EU please take all of prisoners. Thugs, Terrorist to your countries and treat them however you like to !!!!!!!!
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Dec 24, 2014 06:37pm
Last 6 years ///- there was no death penalty --- that didn't work either. So /--
Death penalty may or may not have deterrence -- it's given to punish the murderers for justice.
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Dec 24, 2014 06:55pm
Umm.. No, you need to live in Pakistan at least 1 year, so you'll understand the best option to lift the moratorium!
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Dec 24, 2014 07:25pm
Has the EU ever critised the US's dealth penalty? Stop lecturing in Pakistani internal affairs.
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Dec 24, 2014 07:30pm
And what did the EU think of the illegal drone strikes.
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Dec 24, 2014 07:41pm
Pakistan needs to hire a Foreign Minister to plead its case on why its policy has changed. Obviously the current one is not competent to make a case.
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Dec 24, 2014 07:46pm
Pakistan should handover all the death row prisoners to EU to be detained in their jails.
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Dec 24, 2014 07:52pm
who are you to interfere in our internal matters our country is based on Islamic laws we will implements them.
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Dec 24, 2014 07:59pm
someone please tell EU, this is Pakistan not Europe
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Dec 24, 2014 08:17pm
They believe not effective, but we believe effective. Now this is the time, Pakistan need to decide, they want to do what is in interest of Pakistan or in interest of these
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Dec 24, 2014 08:28pm
People like Lars-Gunnar Wigemark of EU are conscience of our society but it would have been much better if EU had offered practical help. e.g. taking responsibility of rehabilitating condemned individuals in the prisons of EU.
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Dec 24, 2014 09:14pm
EU has double standards, sau chuhe kha ke billi chali hajj
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Dec 24, 2014 09:32pm
Don't pretend as if you care about human rights, the world has seen how perfectly you plan, and kill countless. The history of the EU is extremely corrupt. Gone are the days of your influence and protectorate, on almost the entire world. Now stay put!!!
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Dec 24, 2014 10:27pm
@Merchant So when we start doing more they are not happy.
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Dec 24, 2014 10:33pm
EU should mind their own business...
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Dec 24, 2014 11:00pm
Mr Ambassador. Are you not executing these terrorist in Afghanistan through NATO forces? or are they serving your country interest here? If you don't like death penalties, then please issue EU passports to all these Talibans and take them to your country.
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Dec 25, 2014 12:07am
When EU wants to invade, bomb a country, they all hold hand hands together and take human lives. When their action gets opposed, the answer to collateral damage is quite expected which means innocent liveslost is alright. In 1970s they hired mercenaries out of Australia and New Zealand even in order to fight against Dr Neto of Angola. Even UN condones such actions routinely. Only Charles Taylor of Liberia "Africa" has been tried for war crimes in modern times though there are many leaders of this world are good candididates for war crimes. Pakistan needs to tell EU thsnks but no thanks and persue the policy it serves the country best for peace of its citizens!
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Dec 26, 2014 08:35pm
It is matter of Pakistan. others shouldnt invovled in security problem of pakistan
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Dec 26, 2014 08:36pm
EU Dnt know anything about pakistan
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