HRCP alarmed over growing religious intolerance
LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed alarm at growing intolerance and abuse of belief, continued incidents of disappearance and illegal detention of citizens in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In a statement issued at the conclusion of HRCP Council meeting on Sunday, sectarian violence and general breakdown of law and order in the country was denounced. HRCP said these were a threat citizens’ right to life and freedom to practise their religions.
HRCP said disappearances and illegal detentions proliferated together with sectarian violence in Pakistan, which were widespread and systematic.It all aspects of life including education and justice system were being affected.
The use of blasphemy law to persecute religious minorities should also be highlighted and exposed. The commission said single-minded reforms and sustained education and awareness drives would stem this destructive tide. HRCP calls upon the authorities to dismantle all sectarian organisations hobnobbing with militant elements and ensure ban on militant organisations. It calls upon all political parties, media and civil society organisations to play their part in ensuring peaceful and free elections, particularly in Balochistan. HRCP welcomes the Election Commission’s decision regarding re-polling at the polling stations where less than 10 per cent of the registered women voters cast their ballots, which will ensure women participation in polls. HRCP said no one including the authorities and media appeared to watch the interests of industrial and agriculture labourers while profit was considered supreme in these as was evident from incidents at Lahore and Karachi.
It said the law and order would most likely 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.
Source: The News
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