HRCP flays Faisalabad violence, urges talks to end imbroglio

Lahore: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed deep concern over Monday’s violent clashes in Faisalabad and criticised the authorities for not doing enough to maintain law and order as well as failing to constructively engage the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf through dialogue.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission said: “HRCP is saddened by the violence inFaisalabad that resulted in the death of a PTI activist and injuries to several others, including policemen.

“Under all circumstances, it is the obligation of the authorities to ensure that law and order is maintained and citizens’ lives and rights protected. It is lamentable that even though many indications had suggested that the protest on Monday could turn violent, not least because of provocative tirades from both the ruling party and the PTI, the authorities did not show the necessary resolve and imaginativeness to ensure law and order. Police passively looking on as individuals openly used firearms was just one indication of that.

“The violence and clashes between activists of PTI and the ruling PML-N in Faisalabad have not only complicated an already tense political situation but also introduced a more violent strain in the political wrangling.

“Because of media coverage of the sad events on Monday, the killer of the PTI activist has not remained anonymous. He must be arrested and tried without delay.

“Another matter of concern have been reports of PTI workers in Faisalabad forcibly trying to shut down markets, burning tyres on roads and intimidating media workers. Both sides need to be reminded about the need for restraint and taking responsibility for the actions of the crowds they mobilise.

“HRCP believes that engaging the PTI rather than hoping that its campaign would fizzle out or its call would not find support among the masses should be the preferred course for the government. Both sides have an infinitely better chance of finding solutions to the impasse through dialogue rather than through the constant exchange of accusation and insults.

“Among the first points to ponder for both sides should be finding ways to abandon the provocative demeanour and leave behind the environment of hostility and confrontation.

Finally, the events in Faisalabad also highlighted the need for protection of media workers. The safety concerns of journalists covering these developments must be addressed and a public commitment to that effect by both sides would not go amiss.”