Major civil society organizations in Pakistan have called for the dismissal of unjustified charges against political, labor, and human rights activists and the release of activists arrested during the long march of the heirs of Baloch missing persons to Islamabad. They have also urgently appealed for an end to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
During a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club, leaders from various civil society organizations, including the National Trade Union Federation, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, and the Home-Based Women Workers Federation, cautioned the government about the potential serious consequences that may arise from using excessive state force against activists and political workers.
They expressed their concerns regarding the breach of citizens’ constitutional rights during recent protests, specifically referencing the extrajudicial killings of Baloch youths in Turbat, the physical abuse of demonstrators by the police, the arrest of march participants in Islamabad, and an assault on their camp by unidentified attackers.
Sindh police have charged four activists, Saeed Baloch, Nasir Mansoor, Abdul Wahab Baloch, and Illahi Bakhsh Bikak, alongside approximately 240-260 individuals, with “abetting mutiny.” This is in response to their participation in a rally held outside the Karachi Press Club over the weekend, where they expressed their support for the Baloch people who were protesting against enforced disappearances in Balochistan. As a result of their actions, cases have been filed against them, and authorities have attempted to suppress their voices.
HRCP chairman Asad Iqbal Butt stated that the state is refusing to grant citizens their fundamental rights as outlined in the Constitution. He added that those who violate citizens’ fundamental rights are pushing the country towards chaos.
