HRCP demands improved security after pervasive pre-poll violence

Lahore: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Friday slammed the ever rising levels of violence ahead of the elections, including the targetting and assassination of candidates and political workers, attacks on rallies and campaign offices and abduction of former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani’s son, and demanded a much improved performance from the security apparatus on polling day to make the elections completely secure.

In a statement issued on the eve of the general election, HRCP said: “The current elections have already become the most violent in the country’s history. Election candidates, their campaigns, rallies and political parties’ offices have been targeted across the country and more than 100 people, including candidates and political activists, have been murdered in pre-election violence. The trouble-makers seem to be able to pick and choose their targets without much difficulty. The abduction of former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani’s son from a campaign rally on Thursday is a serious issue and demonstrates the vulnerability of even the supposedly better protected politicians. Along with threats of mayhem by militant extremists, the ongoing propaganda by political parties and leaders against each other has heightened emotions and stoked anger and hatred to such a degree that much more bloodshed is feared on polling day unless proper arrangements are made to prevent that. All this would be a test for the security forces who have long talked about their plans to make the elections completely secure. Their performance so far does not inspire confidence.

HRCP’s acute concern on the eve of elections does not stem merely from threats and violence targeting this individual or that but much more from the manner in which the violence has already impaired the fairness of the elections almost beyond repair. Violence on election day will complicate the issues even further. HRCP expects that all institutions will stretch themselves to their absolute limit to ensure security of voters, candidates and polling stations on Saturday so that the people can exercise their right to choose their representatives.”