Human Rights Commission of Pakistan expresses concern at killing of protesters in Sibbi

he Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed its concerns over the killings of two of the protesters in Sibbi, Baluchistan on Saturday. Condemning the act, Zohra Yusuf, the chairperson
of the HRCP stated, “HRCP regrets very much the deaths and injuries among demonstrators in sibbi when FC personnel opened fire on them.”

According to the news, the protestors were demonstrating against the brutal killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti’s kin in Karachi last week.

The Commission said in a statement: “HRCP regrets very much the deaths and injuries among demonstrators in Sibi when FC personnel opened fire on them. Media reports suggest that around 300 people had blocked the National Highway to
protest the killings and had prevented an FC convoy from passing through.

“Such use of force plays into the hands of those who want the situation to aggravate in the province, if further aggravation is possible. HRCP reiterates the people’s right to peaceful protest and emphasises that the authorities
must exhaust all possible options before resorting to the use of lethal force and only do that to prevent violence and bloodshed that cannot be prevented otherwise. Furthermore, in view of the charged environment in the province these things must not be seen
as mere law and order issues.

HRCP, through a press release, also welcomed the government’s decision to hold a judicial probe and very much hopes that unlike earlier probes the findings of this one would be made public.”