Date: April 9, 2008

 

 

PCHR strongly condemns manhandling of Arbab Ghulam Rahim and Sher Afghan Khan Niazi, submits adjournment motion in the assembly

 

 

ISLAMABAD: Executive Director Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights, (PCHR) Ms. Kashmala Tariq MNA and Chief Coordinator PCHR Mr. Shafique Chaudhry in a joint statement strongly condemned two consecutive incidents that took place in Sindh Assembly with Arbab Ghulam Rahim and the manhandling of Dr. Sher Afghan Khan Niazi Former Federal Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs at the hands of some furious lawyers in Lahore on Tuesday.

 

They said that the whole nation was disappointed over this tragic incident that has also hurt the sentiments of the people throughout the country. It said that the incident was against the norms of a civilized society and democracy.

 

They said that PCHR would raise this issue on the floor of the house and Executive Director PCHR Ms. Kashmala Tariq MNA has submitted an adjournment motion in the Parliament to discuss the incidents of violence occurred in Sindh Assembly and Lahore.

 

PCHR executives termed the manhandling of Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim in Karachi and Dr. Sher Afghan in Lahore a slap on the face of democracy in the country and criticized the government for its inability to protect the fundamental rights of dignity and security of such veteran legislators. They expressed their dissatisfaction over the failure and poor performance of law enforcement agencies in protecting the lives of citizens and said that if these well known personalities are not safe from violence, what could be the situation with ordinary people.

 

They said it was totally against the democratic norms and ethics and the culture of intolerance should be ruled out. Such incidents would not strengthen democracy in the country.

 

They said that no one could expect such a shameful act from lawyers. It said, “Everyone has his own point of view. While we can differ from one another's views, we cannot act violently.”

 

They said that Pakistan was facing critical situation and all the political parties should join hands to promote democratic culture and set real democratic norms which is the need of the hour.

 

PCHR urged government to take serious notice of the two unfortunate and tragic incidents and take effective measures to prevent such incidents in future.

 

 

 

Media Cell, PCHR