Killing of missing persons appalling: HRCP

Lahore, November 22: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called the killing of six missing persons, whose bodies were found from different parts of Balochistan during the Eid days, “appalling and unreservedly condemnable”.

A statement issued by the Commission on Monday said: “The killing of six missing persons from Balochistan, whose bullet-riddled bodies were found in Turbat, Mastung, Khuzdar and Qalat during the three days of Eidul Azha, is appalling and unreservedly condemnable. The timing of the recovery of bodies makes it difficult to argue with the Baloch Voice that describes the foul deeds as Eid gift to the people of Balochistan. This is certainly not the proper way to resolve the issue of enforced disappearances. The recovery of the bodies has not only been devastating for the families of the six victims, but has also heightened anxieties of families of other missing persons who are pursuing the matter in courts in the hope of reuniting with their loved ones. The situation in the province is already volatile and the people feel abandoned and disempowered, largely because of their treatment at the hands of security agencies. There is an urgent need to rethink the attitude of the state towards Balochistan. HRCP once again reiterates its demand for the government to ensure strict adherence to due process of law and respect for all human rights. A credible probe into the killing of the six people and earlier killings and bringing the perpetrators to justice would go some way towards reducing the trust deficit between the state and the people of that persistently wronged province.”

Dr Mehdi Hasan

Chairperson

Category: English