LAHORE, Dec 21: The council of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed its concern over the arbitrariness of the government in cracking down the peaceful political activity.

According to a press release on Tuesday, these actions have further exposed the real face of militarize democracy. The impression that is being created is that the ruling junta is forcing the opposition into submission and forcible cooperation in order to perpetuate their dubious agenda.

The HRCP is concerned at the dual policy which the present regime is following. The activities of political forces, which do not operate on communal lines, are being restricted and curbed.

This has not only created a political vacuum by enabling an environment for communalism, extremism and militancy but has encouraged the forces of intolerance.

The HRCP has consistently demanded that the government must acknowledge the fraud being played in the name of democracy and take sincere as well as transparent steps to include main stream political parties and their leadership in any genuine democratic set-up.

Such step is vital prerequisite for using the collective wisdom and people of Pakistan in dealing with the external and internal challenges. As such the arrest of Mr Asif Ali Zardari along with the number of political activists is a grave mishap which can only lead to further unrest and polarization.

The HRCP urges the government to release Mr Asif Ali Zardari and all political prisoners. The HRCP strongly support the call for the return of political leaders without any preconditions from the military junta.