Deadly protest: Human Rights Comission slams PIA workers’ killing

Demands judicial inquiry into use of force against protesters

LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) voiced grave concern on Tuesday over the killing of two Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) workers and injuries during a protest against privatisation in Karachi.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the commission said: “HRCP condemns the killing of PIA workers and injuries to several others in a firing incident. Television footage from earlier in the day showed law enforcement personnel using batons, water cannon and tear gas against protesters when they moved towards the airport.”

“Every citizen is entitled to the freedom of peaceful protest. The PIA employees have repeatedly voiced their misgivings over the proposed privatisation. It is a matter of great concern that shots were fired at the protesters on Tuesday. Whether this was proportionate use of force is a separate discussion, and this point needs judicial examination. Both official law enforcement agencies with personnel at the scene are now saying that they did not use firearms. The Rangers have stated that they had not fired any bullets. A senior police officer has also said that police were not allowed to open fire or beat up the workers,” the statement said.

It stated that the HRCP condemned unreservedly the violence that resulted in the killings and called for a prompt and credible investigation by a superior court judge to assign responsibility.

“It would have been better if the matter were handled in a manner that did not necessitate street protests. The HRCP urges the government to make all possible efforts to resolve the issue in an expeditious and amicable manner, taking into account the PIA employees’ concerns,” it stated.

Awami Workers’ Party

The Awami Workers’ Party (AWP) Lahore chapter, too, condemned the violence. “The AWP condemns the imposition of the Essential Services Maintenance Act to stamp out the workers’ right to protest for their rights,” a press statement issued by the party said.

The party has called for a protest demonstration in solidarity with PIA workers at Charing Cross at 3pm on February 3 (today).

“All research into the privatisation of public assets since the ’90s demonstrates that the process has been marred by corruption, cronyism, asset-stripping, and has aggravated social problems, especially unemployment,” the handout stated.

“If policy decisions affecting millions of citizens are not presented in front of the public for a thorough debate, it will raise serious questions on the efficacy of a parliament representing the will of the people,” it said.

The AWP demanded that the government revoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act and hold law enforcement personnel accountable for the use of force against workers.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd, 2016.