HRCP to raise a shriller voice for other missing bloggers

Participants agree on list of actions to keep momentum going

KARACHI: Even though the bloggers who went missing recently have made contact with their families, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) vowed to continue its battle for freedom.

The mission goes on to become a stronger voice for the remaining bloggers missing all over Pakistan, said HRCP Sindh's vice-chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt. He was speaking at a meeting with civil society members, such as the National Students Federation (NSF), Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) and the Civil Progressive Alliance Pakistan.



The members agreed on the suggestion given by NSF member Kabeer Ali, who stressed on long-term strategies to achieve targets. Together, the civil society should file a lawsuit in order to bring the abductors to the surface, he said. Ali also suggested maintaining data on details of the missing persons.

PFF's Saeed Baloch pointed out how families usually hesitate to come out when their family members are picked up. Later, they are threatened from sharing details to the media, he said.

"Usually, we are able to recover the workers when their families protest," he said, referring to the case of Wahid Baloch.

The participants agreed that, during the recent campaigns for the missing bloggers, a momentum had emerged and they should focus on carrying on this momentum.

HRCP's Dr Riaz Ahmed said that we should also hold press conferences with the recovered missing persons and their relatives which will build up pressure, he said. Butt suggested bringing the political parties on board. Another suggestion by Khurram Ali of Awami Jamhoori Mahaz was to continue with petitions  as it is the best way to penetrate the message among the masses.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 31^st, 2017.