Lawyer group voices concerns over Pakistan violent crackdown on protests News
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Lawyer group voices concerns over Pakistan violent crackdown on protests

International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) expressed serious concern on Friday regarding the violent crackdown on opposition protestors during the recent protests in Islamabad and other cities in Pakistan. The group urged the country to strictly limit the use of force and adhere to international human rights standards.

The group stated that 12 protesters reportedly died in D-Chowk, one of the largest town squares in Islamabad. The group also highlighted reports on the authorities’ unlawful use of force against protesters including the use of rubber bullets, slingshots and tear gas. On the other hand, the Pakistani government claimed that protesters killed six people, including four paramilitary members, one police and one civilian.

Despite restrictions on the dissemination of information about the protests, Mark Stephens CBE, IBAHRI co-chair, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to monitoring the situation and holding those responsible for human rights violations accountable. He also emphasized the importance of the international community coming together and demanding an investigation to determine the facts surrounding the reported violence against protestors, conducted impartially and efficiently.

The right to peaceful assembly is one of the fundamental human rights and the issue of protecting it is regulated by the Pakistani national legislation and international treaties. Article 16 of the Constitution of Pakistan enshrines the right of every citizen to assemble peacefully, unarmed and within lawful limits. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights enshrine the right to peaceful assembly and association and that it should be recognized and unrestricted, except for legitimate limitations necessary in a democratic society, at the international level.

A mass protest demanding the release of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party leader Imran Khan was announced by his party on November 24. These demonstrations materialized in the capital city, Islamabad, between November 26 and 27, attracting thousands of party supporters who remained in the city to pressure authorities to release Khan.

Despite roadblocks and power cuts to prevent protesters from entering the city, protesters managed to break down the barriers and reach the center of Islamabad, where they clashed with law enforcement. Clashes resulted in injuries among both demonstrators and police officers. The protests also reportedly caused internet disruptions and highway closures across the country.

After reports of violence, the arrest of thousands of party members, and the disappearance of some, the PTI halted planned protests. Responding to unrest, Amnesty International demanded an urgent and transparent investigation of reported multiple deaths and mass detentions of protesters.

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