Pakistan is intensifying its crackdown on political opposition, according to a report released Wednesday by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The group called on authorities to release peaceful protesters, respect their right to a fair trial, and adhere to international human rights standards when responding to violence.
HRW’s report highlights the Pakistani government’s increasing use of anti-terrorism and sedition laws to target dissidents. Last month, it was revealed that at least 137 people were designated as “designated persons” under the Anti-Terrorism Act. This included falsely portraying Baloch activists of the Baloch Yakjeti Committee (BYC) and other PTM members as members of a terrorist group. The group argued that these laws, originally intended to combat terrorism and maintain public order, were being misused against individuals expressing political opposition. Zubair Shah Agha, a member of the PTM Central Committee, also told Amnesty International that “there is a long-term concerted effort to criminalize our movement through anti-terrorism laws.” Ta.
Freedom of speech and freedom of peaceful assembly are protected by Articles 19 and 16 of the Constitution of Pakistan, respectively. Additionally, Pakistan is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which mandates protection of civil liberties, including the rights to freedom of expression and assembly. Government repression of dissent, including arbitrary detention, unjustified use of force, and invocation of anti-terrorism laws against political activists, is a serious violation of these international commitments.
Clashes broke out in Islamabad between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters and police during protests against Khan’s imprisonment, with more than 500 people arrested and scores injured. Pakistani authorities imposed a lockdown in Islamabad last week to counter protests organized by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The crackdown comes against a backdrop of growing insecurity and a perceived deterioration of civil liberties in Pakistan, as authorities increasingly use violence and intimidation to suppress opposition.
