Sense of powerlessness growing in masses: HRCP

LAHORE: Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed its concern over the growing sense of powerlessness among ordinary people amid economic deprivation and unemployment.

The most serious victims of political engineering in the run-up to the general elections have been democracy, electoral politics and the rule of law.

HRCP condemned the continuing curbs on freedom of expression, saying not only have journalists been summarily removed for expressing dissenting opinions, but many have also been prevented from reporting on recent events in areas such as Parachinar and Chaman.

HRCP is well aware of the pressures on the media and is determined to hold the state accountable for such restrictions as the elections approach, stated the commission.

HRCP demanded holding the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances to account for its poor track record. In cases where victims’ families have filed petitions, HRCP urged the courts to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable, and to ensure that victims and their families are given reparations.

The state of law and order, especially in the kachha areas of Sindh and Punjab, needs immediate attention. The provincial governments must heed residents’ credible suspicion that influential persons are involved in drawing financial or political benefits from the deteriorating security situation, said the HRCP.

The rights commission demanded that the newly merged districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa be mainstreamed without further delay and local bodies empowered. It also expressed concern over the revival of the FATA Tribunal. The government must also monitor the situation in Parachinar and protect people’s right to security by preventing further sectarian violence.

The rising number of suicides, especially in Sindh, South Punjab and Gilgit, are cause for concern, given that many cases are connected to rising poverty.

Child domestic workers, who remain highly vulnerable to abuse and sexual violence, need special protection. The recent ban in Kohistan on women from working at NGOs must also be strongly condemned. HRCP opposes the ongoing drive to deport Afghan nationals, including those with legitimate documents. The government must also protect people’s right to fair wages and safe working conditions, particularly for fisherfolk, miners and sanitation workers.

HRCP is alarmed by the continued allotment of collectively owned land in Gilgit-Baltistan to private individuals and the impact of environmental degradation on people’s right to health and livelihood in this area.