Govt action in Rawalpindi exposes militarised democracy: HRCP

* Calls Zardari’s arrest a grave mistake
* Urges government to release of all political prisoners

Staff Report

LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) is concerned about the government’s crack down on the peaceful political activity in Rawalpindi, said Tahir Muhammad Khan, HRCP chairperson, and HRCP council members Afrasiab Khattak and Asma Jhanagir in a statement issued on Tuesday.

They said these actions had exposed the real face of militarised democracy. “The impression being created is that the ruling junta is forcing the opposition into submission and forcible cooperation in order to perpetuate their agenda,” said the statement, adding, “HRCP is concerned at the dual policy which the present regime is following. The activities of political forces, which do not operate on communal lines, are being restricted and curbed. This has not only created a political vacuum by enabling an environment for communalism, extremism and militancy but has encouraged the forces of intolerance.”

The statement said that the HRCP has repeatedly demanded that the government acknowledge its fraudulent activities in the name of democracy and take sincere and transparent steps to include mainstream political parties and their leadership in a genuine democratic set up. Such a step was a vital prerequisite to utilise the people of Pakistan in dealing with external and internal challenges.

The statement added that the arrest of Zardari was a grave mistake, which would lead to further unrest and polarisation. It urged the government to release Zardari and all political prisoners.

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