KARACHI, May 7: A human rights activist was arrested on Monday when he attempted to commit suicide to protest over the presidential reference against the chief justice of Pakistan in front of the Supreme Court Registry here.

Wrapped in a shroud, the general secretary of the United Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Faizul Hasan, was swiftly overpowered by the policemen as he poured kerosene on himself.

He was arrested and booked for attempting to commit suicide by the Preedy police.