HRCP Opposes Anti-Terrorism Act Amendment and Highlights Human Rights Concerns in Pakistan
HRCP Opposes Anti-Terrorism Act Amendment
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) concluded its 38th Annual General Meeting with a call for urgent action to address Pakistan's worsening human rights situation and threats to democracy. HRCP opposed the proposed amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, which would allow armed forces to detain individuals for up to 90 days without trial, warning it would undermine democratic freedoms.
Key Concerns Raised by HRCP
HRCP stressed the need for the government to prioritize the rule of law, address violence against women, children, and transgender individuals, protect workers' rights, and ensure access to health and education. The Commission expressed concern over the state's focus on consolidating power rather than protecting democratic values.
Call for Civilian Supremacy and Workers' Rights
HRCP urged political parties to maintain civilian supremacy and preserve Pakistan's federal governance system. It called for stronger trade unions and dignified wages for marginalized workers, emphasizing the state's responsibility to provide healthcare and education.
Rising Suicide Rates and Land Reforms
HRCP highlighted rising suicide rates among vulnerable groups, particularly in Thar, and opposed the Gilgit-Baltistan Land Reforms Bill 2024, warning it would impoverish local populations. The Commission called for constitutional rights for Gilgit-Baltistan residents.
Enforced Disappearances and Extremism
HRCP condemned enforced disappearances targeting political opponents and raised concerns about extremism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It called for Baloch and Baloch-Pashtun leaders to seek independent resolutions to regional crises.
Doubts Revealed
HRCP
HRCP stands for the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. It is an organization that works to protect and promote human rights in Pakistan.
Anti-Terrorism Act
The Anti-Terrorism Act is a law in Pakistan that was created to help fight against terrorism. It gives special powers to the government and armed forces to deal with terrorist activities.
Amendment
An amendment is a change or addition to a law or document. In this context, it means changing the Anti-Terrorism Act to allow the armed forces to detain people for longer without a trial.
Detain
To detain means to keep someone in custody or hold them back. In this case, it refers to keeping people in jail without a trial for up to 90 days.
Rule of law
The rule of law means that everyone, including the government, must follow the law. It ensures fairness and justice in society.
Vulnerable groups
Vulnerable groups are people who might need extra help or protection, like children, elderly, or those facing discrimination.
Enforced disappearances
Enforced disappearances happen when people are secretly taken away by authorities or groups, and their whereabouts are not known.
Extremism
Extremism refers to holding extreme political or religious views that are not shared by most people. It can sometimes lead to violence.
Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are provinces in Pakistan. They have faced issues like extremism and violence.
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