LAHORE, Oct 7: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) says the citizens’ right to life and freedom to practice their religious belief is in jeopardy because of growing religious intolerance and enforced disappearances and detentions, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A statement issued at the conclusion of the HRCP council meeting on Sunday said this endemic malaise had proliferated in conjunction with the spread of sectarian violence in Pakistan, which is both widespread and systematic. HRCP says all aspects of life, including education and the justice system, are being affected by that situation.

“All this amounts to making a mockery of the majority’s belief as well as others’ religious beliefs and indeed the very right to hold these beliefs. Instances of religiosity in state institutions are growing.”

Citing a recent Peshawar High Court (PHC) order to make the grant of bail to an alleged brothel owner conditional to her attending a madressah one hour daily for a month, the Commission said it had no legal basis. The impact of such decisions on the judges of subordinate courts did not bode well for the country’s justice system, it said, urging unreserved condemnation of such precedents.

The Commission recommended single-minded reform and sustained education and awareness drives to stem what it called a destructive tide.

It said the use of blasphemy law to persecute religious minorities should also be highlighted and exposed. The HRCP called for dismantling all sectarian organisations hobnobbing with militant elements and effective implementation of the ban on such outfits. Unlike the prevailing practice, the investigation and prosecution of cases of sectarian violence must be given due priority, it demanded.

Reiterating that the future of democracy and the state’s integrity depended on free and fair elections, HRCP called upon all political parties, the media and civil society organisations to play their part in ensuring peaceful and free polls, particularly in Balochistan and help the Election Commission of Pakistan in discharging its onerous responsibilities, as the present state of disorder and lawlessness posed a serious threat and undermined the prospects of peaceful elections.

HRCP welcomed the ECP decision regarding re-polling at the polling stations where less than 10 per cent of the registered women voters cast their ballots. “This decision must be implemented as it would increase women’s participation in the electoral process and also prevent the illegal pacts made by candidates and political parties to bar women from voting.

The Commission reaffirmed its demand for an end to the discrimination gainst the Ahmadis and to ensure the inclusion of their names in the joint voters’ list.

HRCP called upon the government to fulfill the pledge it made regarding conversion of capital punishment into life imprisonment.

Highlighting dangerous working conditions for industrial and agriculture labour, the Commission said: “In industrial and agriculture undertakings, profit clearly trumps safety and welfare of workers, who are entirely justified in concluding that no one is watching out for their interests.”

Pointing out the general and pervasive law and order breakdown across the country, it apprehended that the situation would deteriorate further during the forthcoming elections. “It is high time that the authorities respond to the omnipresent paralysis of law and order through well thought-out and concrete measures and not through mere rhetoric,” the Commission suggested.

It also deplored poor government response to the plight of flood-hit people of Sindh and Balochistan.

It urged civil society and the media to actively play a more responsible role as watchdogs for people’s rights and in continuously reminding the authorities of their obligation towards human rights of all citizens without exception.