(New York) – Pakistani Police have made massive arrests and detained more and more people 4,000 People in the wake of protests over the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, including members of the political opposition, Human Rights Watch said today.
Police have arbitrarily detained many people member of opposition political party Also people were appropriately arrested for their involvement in the violence. Many have been charged with vague and broad laws prohibiting rioting and posing a threat to public order. Pakistani authorities should release all those supporting peaceful protest or political protest and respect the due process rights of all those detained.
“Pakistani authorities must stop arbitrary arrests of political opposition activists and peaceful protesters,” said Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “Anyone who commits violence should be properly charged and their due process rights respected.”
Violence erupts across Pakistan after police arrest former prime minister Khan May 9, 2023, on allegations of corruption. Many of Khan’s supporters threw stones and Molotov cocktails, and in some cases, used assault rifles to attack police, and set fire to ambulances, police vehicles and schools. Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and baton-charged the protesters. In the following days, police arrested hundreds of members of Khan’s political party Tehreek-e-Insaf. criminal intimidation, riot, and assault on government officials. Khan was released on bail on 12 May.
a tense standoff Clashes between police and Khan supporters continued in the city of Lahore, raising concerns of further violence. The United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials provide that security forces must use the minimum necessary force at all times. In dispersing violent gatherings, firearms may only be used when it is impractical to use less harmful means, and only to the minimum extent necessary. Law enforcement officers may intentionally resort to deadly force when strictly unavoidable to protect life.
But May 17Police arrested two former MPs Shirin Mazari and Malika Bukhari, After he was granted bail by the Islamabad High Court, the police immediately arrested him again on fresh charges. Mazari’s family members said he has medical needs that require immediate attention. The authorities should release both women, drop all charges except for a legally cognizable offense and ensure Mazari has immediate access to medical care.
Pakistani law requires all detainees to appear before a court within 24 hours, which is in line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which requires Pakistan is a party,
“The authorities must show restraint and respect for human rights and the rule of law,” Gausman said. “The fundamental guarantees of peaceful protest and due process must not become a victim of Pakistan’s political struggle.”