HRCP calls for prompt change of regime

Press Release, February 25

Lahore: While welcoming the people’s verdict of February 18, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has demanded immediate convening of the newly elected National and Provincial Assemblies and transfer of power to majority parties / coalitions so that the peoples’ wishes for a change in the Presidency and restoration of judges could be expeditiously addressed. In a statement issued here today, HRCP said:

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) welcomes the people’s verdict of February 18 and felicitates them on foiling the designs of the various elements that wanted to interfere with the electoral process through threats of violence, illicit influence, blackmail and bribery. This does not affect HRCP’s censure of large-scale manipulation of the electoral process before the polling day and the Election Commission’s failure to rise to the minimum acceptable standards of efficiency and respect for democratic imperatives. But these matters, as well as irregularities noticed during and after the polling, will be taken up in due course. At the moment all attention needs to be devoted to the possibility of transition to democratic and responsible governance created by the election result, and more importantly by the acceptance of this result by the people as well as all political groups, including those who boycotted the polls.

There is no doubt that the people have not only voted against the erstwhile ruling party, they have in effect rejected the 9-year-old regime, its performance and its presiding deity. A sincere acceptance of the election result leaves President Musharraf with no option except his withdrawal from political scene. Even if the argument that he has been elected in accordance with law (as amended by himself) is taken seriously, it can be said that his election has been superseded by a broader-based election. The disclosure of General Musharraf’s involvement with poll-rigging in the 2002 election by Maj-Gen. Ehtisham Zamir, a former head of the ISI’s political cell, has not only strengthened the case for an immediate disbandment of this cell but has made the position of the incumbent head of state much more untenable than ever. HRCP sees no force in the plea against a change in the presidency on the ground that it might affect the war on terror. Indeed the restoration of decision-making powers to popularly elected representatives and their parliament will lend the state actions legitimacy and strength both and the performance of the armed forces in this area also should improve when they realize the importance of democratic sanction for their operations. Above all, resistance to change in the presidency will pollute the political environment, embolden anti-democratic professionals to undermine the national consensus and create unwarranted obstacles to the resumption of the people’s democratic journey.

In order to speedily conclude the electoral process it is essential that the new National Assembly and the Provincial Assemblies must be convened as early as feasible as any undue delay will amount to a defiance of the popular will. The many crises Pakistan faces demand the earliest possible transfer of power to the newly elected representatives of the people. The issues at the top of the national agenda – restoration of the judges with due guarantees of the independence of the judiciary, removal of the provinces’ grievances against the centre, rationalization of the campaign against militants and extremists – must be addressed sooner rather than later. All restrictions on the judges and their families, lawyers, and political activists must be withdrawn forthwith. Further, there is no gainsaying that any tendency to put the common citizens aspirations for bread, job, and a decent living – on the back burner will undo the recent gains by democracy and cause dangerous frustration to the masses.

Finally, HRCP wishes to hail the beginning of the end of the people’s alienation from policies and hopes that the country’s principal parties will help this trend by establishing rule by as large a democratic consensus as possible.

Iqbal Haider, Secretary General

Asma Jahangir, Chairperson

HRCP strongly condemns police violence on a peaceful demonstration of lawyers

Press Release, February 21, 2008

Karachi: In a joint statement issued to the press Mr. Iqbal Haider, Secretary General, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and Ms. Zohra Yusuf, Vice Chairperson, HRCP strongly condemned the police violence on a peaceful demonstration of lawyers gathered outside the city court, Karachi, demanding the restoration of disposed judges, independence of the judiciary and rule of law.

The excessive use of force by the police and others in plain clothes including firing, tear gassing and baton charging on a  peaceful gathering of the lawyers of Karachi is a shameful attempt to not only suppress the lawyers’ movement but also to sabotage the democratic process arising from the elections of February 18.  It is obvious that the collaborators of the autocratic rule of President Pervez Musharraf are attempting to destroy peace and harmony in the country to create serious problems for the newly elected government, the statement said.

Such acts are in violation of the constitution, human rights and civilized norms.

HRCP strongly demanded that:

• All the lawyers arrested today must be released forthwith as well as the judges and lawyers including Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, Tariq Mehmood, Ali Ahmed Kurd
• All the deposed judges must be restored immediately
• Action must be taken against all those police officers and government officials involved in firing, tear gassing, arrest and violence against the lawyers

HRCP commends and supports the admirable and consistent struggle of the lawyers for independence of the judiciary, rule of law and freedom of expression.

Iqbal Haider
Secretary General

Zohra Yusuf
Vice Chairperson, Sindh 

Press Release: Mr. Munir A. Malik, Former President, Supreme Court Bar Association

Attached please find an image of a press release from Mr. Munir A. Malik, Former President, Supreme Court Bar Association. 

HRCP has just facilitated Mr. Malik, in sending this press release to you. Should you require further information, please contact Mr. Munir A. Malik directly.

click thumbnail to enlarge

The People have Spoken

Press Release, February 19, 2008

Lahore: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan applauds the people of Pakistan who overcame several obstacles and despite pre-poll rigging gave a clear verdict in favour of democratic governance. Regrettably, this opportunity was not available to the electorate in Balochistan. Boycott of worthy political leadership from contesting the elections and their call for staying away from the polls; have not reflected a genuine will of the people of Balochistan to the 2008 polls. This will pose a challenge to the federal parliament as well as the future provincial government of the Province.

The people of Pakistan have placed a monumental responsibility on the winning political parties to ensure that the democratic transition takes place. In addition, there are expectations from the new Parliament to restore the deposed judiciary, improve law and order and to solve the economic crisis. The new government will also be expected to find imaginative ways of combating terrorism, without putting the lives of non-combatants in danger. This will require policies and actions built through consensus. Unilateral and rash decisions of the past have not curbed the rise of ‘talibanisation’ but added to the miseries of the people. A large number of people have been displaced, lost their lives and been regularly exposed to violence.

Pakistan’s civil society, too, must continue to play their role and maintain closer interaction with political parties.

HRCP would also like to express its gratitude to all foreign observers, who traveled to Pakistan to monitor our elections. Despite, the threat of violence, these observers came to ensure that the true voice of the people of Pakistan could be heard. The message is clear: rule by the military can no longer be tolerated, whether in the name of combating terror or in the garb of delivering a transition to democracy.

 

Asma Jahangir

Chairperson

Pakistan Elections today

PAKISTAN 2008 ELECTIONS today – February 18, 2008

HRCP will not be monitoring the polls, neither by itself nor in partnership with anyone.

All HRCP offices and fieldworkers will be observing certain aspects of the elections, i.e. they will be watching and assessing the electoral process – pre-poll, during polling and post-poll – as it is part of Pakistan Coalition for Free, Fair and Democratic Elections (Pacfrel).

HRCP will be observing and documenting:

1. the Election Commission’s (EC) performance
2. complaints of candidates to the EC
3. voting arrangements for prisoners
4. if government servants have been persuaded/pressurized into voting en bloc
5. status of applications for postal ballots and related information and issues
6. reports of returns from Pakistan missions abroad
7. if women have been allowed to vote freely and where and how it has not been so
8. if forced labour has been allowed to vote
9. candidate’s manifestos
10. future plans of workers of parties that boycotted the polls

HRW: Attorney General Aware of ‘Massive’ Election-Rigging Plans

News courtesy – Human Rights Watch website

Audio Recording Calls Into Question Government’s Commitment to Fair Elections

(New York, February 15, 2008) – In an audio recording obtained by Human Rights Watch, Pakistan’s Attorney General Malik Qayyum stated that upcoming parliamentary elections will be “massively rigged,” Human Rights Watch said today.In the recording, Qayyum appears to be advising an unidentified person on what political party the person should approach to become a candidate in the upcoming parliamentary election, now scheduled for February 18, 2008.  
 
Human Rights Watch said that the recording was made during a phone interview with a member of the media on November 21, 2007. Qayyum, while still on the phone interview, took a call on another telephone and his side of that conversation was recorded. The recording was made the day after Pakistan’s Election Commission announced the schedule for polls. The election was originally planned for January 8 but was postponed after the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Another former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, returned to Pakistan on November 25. An English translation of the recording, which is in Urdu and Punjabi, follows:  
 
“Leave Nawaz Sharif (PAUSE)…. I think Nawaz Sharif will not take part in the election (PAUSE)…. If he does take part, he will be in trouble. If Benazir takes part she too will be in trouble (PAUSE)…. They will massively rig to get their own people to win. If you can get a ticket from these guys, take it (PAUSE)…. If Nawaz Sharif does not return himself, then Nawaz Sharif has some advantage. If he comes himself, even if after the elections rather than before (PAUSE)…. Yes….”  
 
Repeated attempts by Human Rights Watch to contact Qayyum by phone were unsuccessful.  
 
Fears of rigging have been a major issue in the current election campaign. Human Rights Watch said that since the official election period commenced in November 2007, there have been numerous allegations of irregularities, including arrests and harassment of opposition candidates and party members. There are also allegations that state resources, administration and state machinery are being used to the advantage of candidates backed by President Pervez Musharraf. Human Rights Watch expressed concern that the Election Commission, which is monitoring the polls, was not acting impartially.  

HRW – Election Commission Not Impartial

HRW – Election Commission Not Impartial

Electoral Machinery Controlled by Musharraf Appointees

 (New York, February 12, 2008) – The failure of Pakistan’s Election Commission to act on allegations of irregularities means the electoral machinery for national elections due on February 18, 2008 cannot be considered impartial, Human Rights Watch said today. The structure of the commission, which has wide powers to investigate complaints and take action, also suggests it will not rule fairly in the election.

Since the official election period commenced in November 2007, the Election Commission of Pakistan has ignored allegations of widespread irregularities, including arrests and harassment of opposition candidates and party members, and the misuse of state resources, administration and state machinery to the advantage of candidates backed by President Pervez Musharraf. 

“There have been numerous complaints of improper government assistance to the ruling party and illegal interference with opposition activities,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “But the election commission has done nothing significant to address these problems, raising serious questions about its impartiality.” 

Human Rights Watch said that the Election Commission has taken virtually no action on the widespread harassment of opposition candidates through the registration of police cases against them, police obstruction of opposition rallies, and the removal of lawful opposition banners and billboards. 

Human Rights Watch has documented the involvement of the local administration in helping Musharraf-backed candidates, particularly in Punjab and Sindh provinces. For example:

Pakistanis at Guantánamo: HRCP urges govt action

Press Release, February 13

***

Lahore: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday called upon the government to intervene on behalf of Pakistani nationals held by US forces at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.

In a letter to the federal law minister, HRCP expressed its distress at Islamabad’s failure to ensure its nationals are not detained illegally. The organization asked the government about actions it had taken or intended to take to ensure that the continued incarceration and violations of Pakistani nationals’ human rights ceased immediately.

HRCP also expressed concern at reports of risks to the life and health of Mr. Saifullah Piracha, a heart patient currently detained in Guantánamo.

It urged the government disclose the number of Pakistanis currently detained at Guantánamo and make representations to US authorities on behalf of all Pakistani nationals still detained there to ensure their return to Pakistan.

Iqbal Haider

General Secretary

HRCP Condemns State Sponsored Violence

Press Release, February 12, 2008 

Karachi:  In a joint statement issued to the press Mr. Iqbal Haider, Secretary General, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and Ms. Zohra Yusuf, Vice Chairperson, HRCP strongly condemned spread of mob violence and lawlessness across the country, just before the general elections in Pakistan. This violence has spiraled completely out of control of the government, and is threatening to plunge the country into a state of total anarchy.   

Recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan show the failure of anti-terrorism policies. It is obvious that mere policing and random arrests can do nothing to overcome the menace. A broader approach is required, coupled with a willingness to end the air of secrecy that currently surrounds operations being carried out against alleged terrorists, the statement said. Repeated attack on the election campaigns and the candidates, including the recent attack on the workers of ANP resulting in deaths of several party workers indicate there are attempts to intimidate voters. 

HRCP strongly condemns the attack and condoles with the grieved families and leaders and workers of ANP. A government which cannot provide safety to the voters and their candidates is incapable of holding free and fair elections.  The caretakers and President Pervez Musharraf have no moral or legal justification to remain in office. 

HRCP also condemns the violent attack on the peaceful gathering of lawyers, human rights activists and members of the civil society in Islamabad on February 09, 2007 and the recent fake cases of sedition and war against state registered against more than a dozen lawyers in Peshawar, who were protesting against the arrest of the Chief Justice, Mr. Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Mr Aitzaz Ahsan, Mr. Justice Tariq Mehmood and Mr. Ali Ahmed Kurd. 

HRCP believes that targeting innocent people, suspending access to justice and repressing legitimate dissent would only create resentment, encourage extremism and exacerbate insecurity.  

Iqbal Haider , Secretary General                                   

Zohra Yusuf, Vice Chairperson, Sindh 

HRCP: Dissatisfaction at Scotland Yard Report

Press Release, February 9, 2008 

Lahore: Pakistanis are looking for a dignified closure to the tragic assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The Scotland Yard findings do not satisfy the basic requirements of any investigation. In addition, there is also a contradiction in the report as all those present in the car of late Mohtarma Bhutto confirmed that the explosion took place seconds after she slumped back into her seat in the vehicle. The findings of the report on the one hand admit that “what happened was complicated by the lack of an extended and detailed search of the crime scene, the absence of an autopsy, and the absence of recognized body recovery and victim identification processes”, and yet it concludes that “nevertheless, the evidence that is available is sufficient for reliable conclusions to be drawn”. A categorical conclusion in the absence of basic forensic and freedom of deposition by doctors can only be viewed as a hunch of the investigators. Other observers in Pakistan have different intuitions but the fundamental objective of any investigation must be of categorically identifying the authors, perpetrators, and accomplices of the attack. This has not been achieved and cannot be reached by an investigation that is carried out under the shadows of the present authorities. A proper investigation must go deeper into establishing the links of those suspected, so far arrested, or identified by Mohtarma herself or her family.

The murder of late Benazir Bhutto has left a huge vacuum in the political arena and severe wounds on the people of Pakistan. 

Uncovering the truth of this most tragic crime is crucial for Pakistan. Without it, there can be no reconciliation amongst Pakistani society and acts of violence will be feared but not wholly condemned or resisted. An impartial investigation will have wider positive implications. The lives of several innocent Pakistanis too have been lost to acts of violence and yet no credible investigation has been carried out. Future lives are at stake as is now evident by the bomb blast in Charsada. It is therefore imperative that in the interest of the people of Pakistan a United Nations led investigation into the assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the sources of violence in Pakistan be carried out. Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto believed in justice and not revenge. An impartial investigation will lead to the truth being uncovered and for the wheels of justice to its natural course.  

Asma Jahangir

Chairperson