As many as 16 Canadian Members of Parliament (MPs) have written to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, urging that “Canada make clear its commitment to the values of justice, democracy and human rights” in Pakistan.

In a letter, dated May 19, the MPs have expressed their “grave concern over the situation unfolding in Pakistan” and have called for people’s “right of peaceful protest to be respected”.

Sharing a copy of the letter, MP for Scarborough Centre Salma Zahid said she had sent the letter as the chair of the Canada-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group. The PTI also retweeted the copy of the letter shared by Zahid on the micro-blogging website.

It adds, “We condemn all acts of violence, as well as the illegal arrest of innocent civilians, journalists and activists, especially women and children.”