LAHORE: Activists of different non-governmental organisations (NGOs) vowed not give up the struggle for the rights of the masses, despite policies which are “cornering social activists” all over the country.
Activists of different civil rights organisations strongly condemned recent letters that most NGOs reportedly received. These organisations were told to close their office as the letters alleged they were involved in anti-state activities.
Activists including IA Rehman, Muhammad Tehseen, Farooq Tariq, Rubina Jameel, Bushra Khaliq and others spoke at a press conference. They termed the action as a tactic of the government to corner civil societies.
IA Rehman asked why social activists were being harassed with different conspiracies. “Is it our fault that we are working to protect the rights of poor masses and raising a voice for them?” he asked.
“Activists of civil society are the voice of the poor masses and their rights have been usurped. The pain is not felt anywhere, but we stand with them for their rights.”
“Those organisations which received the letters were told they are working against the interest of the state. Their activities are dubious. They are working on anti-state agendas,” he said while criticising the content of the letter.
South Asia Partnership Pakistan (SAP-Pakistan) Executive Director Muhammad Tehseen said the social activists were at a loss when understanding the sort of message the government wanted to convey through these letters.
He said NGOs in Layya, Bhakar and other districts received letters issued by the Social Welfare department, which he termed as embarrassing. “A number of women heading civil rights organisations have been told that their habits were not good. They are involved in anti-state activities but it (the government) is reluctant to point out even a single anti-state activity,” Tehseen remarked while referring to the letters issued by the government.
Farooq Tariq of the National Workers Party asked why the activists have not been taken to courts if they are involved in any anti-state activity. “I wonder why fanatics and those who talk with guns are free in this country and those who raise a voice for the masses are being cornered,” he commented.
Others who spoke on the occasion said stringent policies and rules have been introduced over the past few years which affected NGOs and curbed their rights to speak freely on government policies and actions.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 19th, 2017.
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