Pakistan’s Human Rights Review by UN: Key Issues and Developments
Amnesty International has announced that Pakistan will undergo its second review by the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva on October 17 and 18. This review is part of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Pakistan has signed. Amnesty International has raised concerns about ongoing human rights violations in the country.
Key Concerns Highlighted
Recent reports have highlighted several issues, including extrajudicial killings of blasphemy suspects, crackdowns on protests, and the enactment of the restrictive Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024. There have also been reports of arbitrary detention and mass arrests of opposition workers, a ban on the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), and harassment of human rights defenders like Mahrang Baloch.
Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) Ban
On October 6, the Pakistani government banned the PTM, citing threats to national peace and security. The PTM was declared “unlawful” under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997. However, the ban was tentatively lifted on October 10, allowing the PTM to hold its scheduled Pashtoon Qaumi Jirga on October 11.
Extrajudicial Killings
Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the killings of two blasphemy suspects by police in Sindh and Balochistan. Abdul Ali was shot by a police constable in Quetta, and Shah Nawaz Kunhbar was killed in an encounter in Mirpurkhas.
Case of Mahrang Baloch
Baloch rights activist Mahrang Baloch was charged in a terrorism case for allegedly inciting people against security institutions. She was barred from traveling to New York for a Time magazine event. The Sindh High Court has prohibited police from arresting or harassing her.
Doubts Revealed
Amnesty International -: Amnesty International is a global organization that works to protect human rights. They help people who are treated unfairly and try to make sure everyone is treated equally.
UN Human Rights Committee -: The UN Human Rights Committee is a group of people from the United Nations who check if countries are following rules to protect people’s rights. They make sure everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
Geneva -: Geneva is a city in Switzerland where many important international meetings happen. It’s like a big meeting place for countries to talk about important issues.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights -: This is an agreement between countries to make sure people have basic rights like freedom of speech and fair treatment. Countries promise to follow these rules to protect their citizens.
Extrajudicial killings -: Extrajudicial killings are when people are killed without a fair trial or legal process. It’s like being punished without a chance to explain or defend yourself.
Protest crackdowns -: Protest crackdowns happen when the government stops people from protesting or speaking out. It can involve using force to stop people from gathering and expressing their opinions.
Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) -: The PTM is a group in Pakistan that speaks up for the rights of the Pashtun people. They want to make sure Pashtuns are treated fairly and have their voices heard.
Mahrang Baloch -: Mahrang Baloch is an activist who works to protect people’s rights in Pakistan. She is facing legal troubles and is not allowed to travel freely.
